{
  "id": 3940618,
  "title": "Firms will recruit school leavers over university graduates, Gems boss predicts",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/firms-will-recruit-school-leavers-over-university-graduates-gems-boss-3940618",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-28T10:28:06.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National UAE",
    "slug": "the-national-uae",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2026/08/28/firms-will-recruit-school-leavers-over-university-graduates-gems-boss-predicts/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Dino Varkey, chief executive of Gems Education, predicts that in the coming years, firms will recruit school leavers over university graduates due to changing demands in the workplace. Varkey emphasized that employers will seek individuals with skills in a variety of areas, rather than just those with a single degree. The education sector should focus on exposing students to a broad curriculum and reigniting their curiosity and passion for particular subjects, he stated. Varkey also sees a shift towards recruiting directly from high schools, rather than universities, to gain access to the 'best and brightest' early on. He believes this approach will give students a competitive edge in the job market. Speaking ahead of the new school year, Varkey credited Gems teachers for their adaptability during the challenges caused by the Iran war, noting that they maintained learning continuity with resilience and calm leadership. Schools are preparing for an in-person return, implementing enhanced safety measures while ensuring the well-being of students and parents. The Gems Education network is set to welcome over 1,500 new teachers for the upcoming academic year, with plans to increase its capacity to accommodate 20,000 more pupils over the next three years. Varkey expects continued growth in the education sector in the region, despite the disruptions experienced earlier in the year.",
  "summary": "Having a degree in one subject might not be enough to join the UAE workforce in the coming years, group chief executive of Gems Education has said. Those with skills in a variety of areas will be best-placed to thrive, as the demands on young people entering the workplace will be different from before, Dino Varkey told The National . There will also be an increase in the number of pupils being…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National Business",
        "title": "Firms will recruit school leavers over university graduates, Gems boss predicts",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/firms-will-recruit-school-leavers-over-university-graduates-gems-boss",
        "published": "2026-08-28T10:28:06.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}