• The platform marks a notable shift in training ecosystem for students at higher education institutions.
• E. Abdulrahman Al Awar: The new platform is the first national system launched to reshape practical training pathways for higher education students.
• A unified digital platform connecting university students with notable practical training opportunities in the labour market, in collaboration with government and private-sector institutions.
• Empowering students to gain direct, practical experience and hone their skills in line with their specialisations and actual labour market practices.
• Digital compliance mechanisms that enhance the quality and effectiveness of practical training, refine students’ skills, and prepare them for direct entry into the labour market.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (Nafis) announced the launch of the National Practical Training Platform for Higher Education Students in the UAE.

Launched as part of the Nafis platform, the new platform enables university students to register for high-quality practical training opportunities in the UAE labour market through an integrated digital environment. It also allows government and private-sector institutions and companies to post available training opportunities, cementing their role as key partners in the national practical training ecosystem. The platform plays a key role in efforts to train highly qualified generations possessing the practical experience and skills required in the labour market, by enabling students to join high-level training programmes across various vital sectors. It enhances integration between theory and practice in the student journey and supports efforts for economic and knowledge-related development in the UAE.

His Excellency Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, said: “The National Practical Training Platform is the first national system launched to reshape practical training pathways for higher education students. The launch forms part of the ongoing efforts to enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of national talent in the labour market, while strengthening integration between government, academic, and private-sector partners. This, in turn, allows for developing the practical training environment, promoting lifelong learning, and reinforcing digital transformation and smart services across all aspects of the labour market.”

“Furthermore, launching the platform marks a significant leap forward for the student training ecosystem across higher education institutions,” H.E. Al Awar added. “The initiative allows for providing a comprehensive training programme, in addition to generating clear data to enhance evaluation processes and chart pathways for developing additional training programmes and academic specialisations. This, in effect, supports Emiratisation efforts in the private sector, which we consider to be a key strategic partner in this national project.”

“The platform marks a strategic step in the path towards developing the higher education ecosystem and building an integrated practical training environment based on governance and transparency,” H.E. the Minister noted. “It also serves as a tool bringing all players on the same page, and enabling students to benefit from practical training opportunities that enhance their readiness for the future.”

Meanwhile, H.E. Khalil Khoori, MoHRE’s Undersecretary of Labour Market and Emiratisation Operations, stressed the importance of the new platform in enabling higher education students to hone their skills and complement their academic achievement. This serves to boost their competitiveness and enhances their chances of joining the labour market, His Excellency explained, noting that the new platform paves the way for them to meet employment needs across all economic sectors, while the Ministry remains committed to supporting the platform and fulfilling its responsibilities in that regard to the highest standards, while ensuring optimal integration of roles among all partners.

For his part, H.E. Ghannam Butti Al Mazrouei, Secretary General of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (Nafis), said that providing practical training opportunities for higher education students complements the Council’s new strategy, adding notable value to the Nafis platform by supporting national talent and preparing them to compete in the labour market.

“This step aligns with the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council’s strategy and directions for the upcoming period, which was recently approved by the Board of Directors and focuses on providing meaningful training that keeps pace with labour market needs and enhances Emirati citizens’ competitiveness,” His Excellency added.

“Companies also benefit from the programme, which enables them to connect with qualified Emirati professionals more quickly, focusing on those with the practical and professional skills that meet their requirements,” H.E. Al Mazrouei explained. “This, in turn, supports the UAE’s business ecosystem and ensures a sustainable supply of national talent for the labour market. In doing so, we reinforce our wise leadership’s vision to build an integrated system for training, development, recruitment, and empowerment that supports the sustainability of national talent and keeps pace with the rapid evolution of the labour market.”

On a similar note, H.E. Shamma Al Muhairi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Higher Education Operations Sector at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, explained that the platform provides opportunities for establishing strategic partnerships between higher education institutions and various economic sectors, in order to design advantageous training programmes that align with students’ specialisations as well as labour market needs.

“All training programmes and opportunities posted will be subject to quality controls and standards, as outlined by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in the relevant Ministerial Resolution regulating practical training and the corresponding guide,” she affirmed. “This aims to ensure that training experiences are effective, holistic, and capable of supporting students in developing their practical skills.”

Higher education institutions, entities involved in training, and students can find more details about registration and participation by accessing the platform through Nafis at nafis.gov.ae.

Linking the new platform with Nafis helps build a unified national database that facilitates students’ access to suitable training opportunities. It also enables higher education institutions, as well as government and private entities, to play an impactful role in nurturing generations of qualified national talent, capable of contributing towards the targets of the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision and the UAE Centennial 2071 Plan.

A series of orientation and awareness workshops has been scheduled, targeting universities, training institutions, and students. The sessions are designed to clarify the registration process for the National Practical Training Platform and raise awareness about the platform’s advantages and role in supporting students’ educational and professional journeys.