Work Experience program in Al Dakhiliyah launches field placements for 30 students
Thirty tenth- and eleventh-grade students from Al Dakhiliyah Governorate will begin a hands-on Work Experience program tomorrow, officials said. The initiative, organised by the Centre for Career Guidance and Student Counseling at the Ministry of Education and delivered by the Vocational Guidance and Student Counseling Department at the General Directorate of Education in Al Dakhiliyah, runs through the end of July in partnership with Oman Agricultural Development Company.
The two-week placement combines classroom briefings and on-site activities to expose students to workplace routines, professional roles and sector-specific skills. According to ministry representatives, the aim is to help participants connect school learning with real-world jobs and to support early career exploration.
Program structure and educational objectives
The Work Experience program pairs short theoretical sessions with applied tasks that mimic actual work environments. Students will take part in interactive workshops, supervised practical tasks and group projects that reflect the day-to-day requirements of agricultural and related sectors.
Officials said the programme seeks to achieve several objectives: clarify possible educational pathways, introduce vocational guidance concepts, and develop core employability skills such as teamwork, communication and accountability. Furthermore, the activities are designed to help students identify strengths and interests that can inform later subject choices and vocational training decisions.
Public-private partnerships and practical training
The link with Oman Agricultural Development Company provides students access to real workplace settings, machinery, and professional staff, officials noted. This collaboration allows students to observe operational processes, safety protocols and quality standards, while completing supervised tasks that reinforce learning.
Partnerships with private-sector employers are intended to broaden the scope of student internships and ensure that experiences reflect current labour market needs. According to programme coordinators, exposure to actual work sites gives students clearer expectations about job demands and the skills required in specific fields.
Skills development, vocational guidance and student internships
Practical elements of the Work Experience program focus on transferable skills as much as job-specific techniques. Instructors and hosts work with participants to strengthen problem-solving, punctuality, effective communication and collaborative working — skills that apply across multiple professions.
Vocational guidance activities include career mapping exercises and informational sessions about educational pathways linked to the observed occupations. In addition, short reflective assignments encourage students to evaluate their preferences and consider how different training routes align with their aptitudes and interests.
Assessment and feedback
Students will receive feedback from supervisors and educators during and after the placements. The feedback process is intended to reinforce positive behaviours, identify areas for further development and support more informed decisions about secondary and tertiary study options.
Expected benefits for students and the education system
Program organisers say the initiative supports early career planning and helps reduce the gap between theoretical instruction and workplace expectations. Therefore, the Work Experience program is positioned as part of a broader effort to strengthen links between schools and industry and to improve students’ readiness for further education or vocational pathways.
Officials also highlighted the potential long-term benefits for the local labour market. By familiarising students with sector requirements and cultivating foundational skills, the programme may contribute to a better-prepared future workforce aligned with employer needs.
Administration, oversight and next steps
Dr. Rasmiya bint Khalfan Al-Hanashi, director of the Vocational Guidance and Student Counseling Department in Al Dakhiliyah, said the programme is one of several summer initiatives aimed at enriching student learning through applied experiences. According to her office, the placements will be monitored to assess educational impact and to gather suggestions for improvement.
Hamad bin Salem Al-Mar Al-Kindi, head of the vocational guidance section, outlined the timetable and supervision arrangements, noting that participants will alternate between classroom and field work over the two-week period. The department intends to document outcomes and share lessons with other governorates to inform future rollouts.
What to watch next
Readers should look for follow-up reports on participant feedback, measurable changes in student career awareness, and any expansion of employer partnerships. The education directorate has indicated it will evaluate the programme’s effectiveness at the end of the month and consider extending similar placements to additional cohorts in coming school years.
Meanwhile, educators and parents are encouraged to observe how short internships and vocational guidance experiences influence students’ subject choices and long-term planning. The ministry’s programme materials suggest that continued collaboration between schools and the private sector will be a key factor in scaling such initiatives.
Conclusion
The Work Experience program in Al Dakhiliyah represents a targeted effort to integrate vocational guidance and practical exposure into secondary education. By combining supervised internships with structured career activities, the programme aims to improve students’ understanding of occupational options and strengthen skills development. Stakeholders will assess outcomes at the end of July to determine next steps and potential wider adoption.
