Student work permits a strong push for success

A sterling aspect of the plan initiated by UAE is the parity of benefits an employed student will enjoy

The new decree issued by the UAE to provide work experience to students is at the heart of optimising the country’s human resource development and this formalising of the process, wherein students under 18 can obtain job training and job experience, will ensure accelerated development.

The decree, issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, offers Emiratis and expatriate students between 1218 years of age the opportunity to obtain a work permit and gain work experience or training, as the case may be, in a private-sector company.

The three types of work permits — temporary, part-time and juvenile — cover the ground fully in terms of offering students optimal timelines. Ranging from six months to a year, the options are entirely suitable lengths of time for young minds to gain work experience, given that they are still potentially weighing their career options and ambitions. A sterling aspect of this programme is the parity of benefits and advantages an employed student will enjoy. The decree instructs companies offering job opportunities to comply with all procedures and qualities of the permitted work in ensuring this is so. The implied advantages due to this parity approach are invaluable. Students will gain an understanding of the indispensable components of a strong work ethic — a sense of responsibility and commitment to the job. The impact of the decree will also help streamline labour market management, a vital component in a robust economy.

In catching them young, the UAE is once again guaranteeing its own success.