1. Building National Competencies نبني المهارات الوطنية 1 Review of Career Counseling at the National Institute for Vocational Education Dubai October 2012

2. Building National Competencies نبني المهارات الوطنية Outline 2 Purpose of career counseling Career counseling model Engaging employers Challenges of career counseling Lessons learned Achievements October 2012

3. Building National Competencies نبني المهارات الوطنية Purpose of Career Counseling 3 To assist learners to select a program of study leading to meaningful employment and fulfilling careers aligned with their aptitudes, personalities, skills, and interests. October 2012

4. Building National Competencies نبني المهارات الوطنية October 20124 Career Counseling Model WhenBefore taking programDuring programAfter taking program WhoProspective LearnersLearners in ProgramGraduates How Institute visits to schools School visits to the Institute Education exhibitions Inquiries Exposure to individual areas of work Vocational and work- related scenarios On-the-job training Industry visits Help with employment Link with employment support agencies (e.g. Emirates Nationals Development Program, Tanmia) WhyTo raise awareness of alternatives, paths, and opportunities available to learners To provide guidance on choice of specializations To identify progression opportunities EnablersLeaflets, brochures, website, advertisements Work-related instruction and assessments, workplace learning Evening and weekend programs

5. Building National Competencies نبني المهارات الوطنية Engaging Employers 5October 2012 Establishing sponsorships Developing partnerships with employment support agencies Designing programs that meet employers needs Conducting surveys, industry visits and face-to-face meetings Disseminating information

6. Building National Competencies نبني المهارات الوطنية Challenges of Career Counseling I Social and cultural values High expectations Perception of the recognition and worth of vocational education (compared to higher education) Preference for higher education degrees October 20126

7. Building National Competencies نبني المهارات الوطنية Challenges of Career Counseling II Aspirations for employment in public sector Disparity between public and private sectors Choices are made by families, not students There is little, if any, career counseling in the schools. October 20127

8. Building National Competencies نبني المهارات الوطنية Lessons Learned 8 It is important to: Focus on highly added value jobs and skills Offer internationally recognized qualifications Talk to parents to raise their awareness of vocational education Engage employers in partnerships and sponsorships October 2012

9. Building National Competencies نبني المهارات الوطنية Achievements Co-education for UAE nationals UAE nationals working not only in clerical jobs but also in vocational areas such as: - building inspection - draughtsmanship - health and safety- IT support Employers in both public and private sectors sponsor programs and students 9October 2012

10. Building National Competencies نبني المهارات الوطنية October 201210 Thank you