Head start for UAE school leavers as platform links pupils with placements

UAE school leavers are receiving early career support through new platforms that link them to internships and job-shadowing opportunities at companies. This trend is particularly driven by the increasing focus on technology and artificial intelligence in the workplace, which makes it advantageous for young people to start their careers early and potentially avoid the costs associated with university.

The UAE's employment outlook for the fourth quarter has risen by 41%, a 24-point increase from the previous quarter, according to ManpowerGroup figures. Nearly half of UAE organizations are now engaged in early-career hiring. However, there are still challenges such as candidate mismatches and a shortage of skills that hinder recruitment for some companies.

Bryn Luro, country manager of ManpowerGroup Middle East, notes that employers are expanding their teams and improving recruitment efficiency, despite ongoing skill shortages. Sparq, an online platform founded by Gaurav Gulati, addresses this issue by directly connecting UAE pupils with internships and job-shadowing placements based on their individual profiles and career goals.

The platform eliminates the need for informal networking methods like WhatsApp groups and spreadsheets, offering a centralized system for both companies and students. By providing structured feedback instead of generic rejections, Sparq aims to help retain young talent in the UAE, preventing potential brain drain to other countries.

Experts emphasize that hands-on experience in the workplace through internships is crucial for young professionals entering the workforce. Business director Carolyn Ross of Ferox Recruitment stresses the importance of networking and practical experience gained through office environments. UAE's Job market, after a challenging period, is showing signs of recovery, with a resurgence in job offers and a shift towards recruiting fresh graduates directly from high schools, as reflected in Dubai's Education Strategy 2033.