Head start for UAE school leavers as platform links pupils with placements
UAE school leavers are being helped to climb the career ladder early, with new platforms matching them directly to structured internships and job-shadowing placements at companies. The focus on technology and artificial intelligence in today's workplace has left young people well placed to start their careers early, potentially skipping university and its associated costs. The UAE's Net…
The United Arab Emirates is providing a head start for school leavers by linking them with structured internships and job-shadowing placements through new online platforms. These platforms, such as Sparq, help pupils find opportunities directly with companies, based on their individual profiles and career ambitions. The UAE's employment outlook has improved by 41% in the fourth quarter, up 24 points from the previous quarter, according to ManpowerGroup figures.
Early-career hiring, including recruitment of school leavers, interns, and recent graduates, is on the rise at nearly half of UAE organizations. However, candidate mismatches and skills shortages still pose challenges for recruitment at some companies. Founder of Sparq, Gaurav Gulati, developed the platform after struggling to find internship opportunities for his own children.
The tool connects pupils with companies, tracks internship programs, and provides structured feedback to students, aiming to retain young talent in the UAE rather than losing them to other countries. Business director Carolyn Ross emphasizes that early workplace experience, such as internships and job-shadowing, is crucial for young professionals.
Additionally, Gems Education Group CEO Dino Varkey anticipates a shift towards direct recruitment from high schools, aligning with Dubai's Education Strategy 2033. Job market conditions have improved after a lean second and third quarter, with recruiters reporting a resurgence in 2026.
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