The Ministry of Labour (MoL) in Qatar recently participated in the Winter Edition of the “My Career-My Future” job-shadowing program, continuing the nation’s investment in future workforce development. This initiative, organized by the Qatar Career Development Centre (QCDC), aims to increase career awareness among high school students and prepare them for success in Qatar’s evolving job market. The program ran for five days and focused on key sectors vital to the country’s diversification goals.
The event, a collaboration between QCDC, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, and the MoL, took place in Doha. It provided Qatari students with valuable insight into potential career paths through direct observation and engagement with professionals. This edition specifically prioritized exposure to the Financial Services sector, along with opportunities in Healthcare, Logistics, Manufacturing, Information Technology, Digital Services, and Construction.
Boosting Career Awareness Through Practical Experience
According to the Ministry of Labour, initiatives like “My Career-My Future” are crucial for building a skilled and informed workforce. Mohammed Salem Al Khulaifi, Acting Director of the Qualifying and Skills Development Department at MoL, stated that early exposure to various professions helps students align their academic choices with their interests and aptitudes. This structured approach is intended to move students away from making arbitrary decisions about their future.
Program Structure and Benefits
The five-day program immersed students in real-world work environments. Participants directly observed daily operations and interacted with specialists in their chosen fields. This hands-on experience is designed to provide a realistic understanding of professional roles, necessary skills, and prevailing workplace cultures, a dimension often missing in traditional academic settings.
Additionally, the program included workshops and assessments aimed at building confidence in students’ career selections. Successful completion of the job-shadowing experience resulted in a certificate, documenting the students’ training hours and participation. This documentation may prove beneficial when applying for higher education or future employment.
Focus on National Priorities and Skill Development
The emphasis on sectors like Financial Services, IT, and Healthcare reflects Qatar’s national strategy to diversify its economy and reduce its reliance on hydrocarbons. The program actively seeks alignment with these national goals, steering potential professionals toward fields experiencing growth and offering long-term opportunities. This coordinated effort supports Qatar National Vision 2030, which envisions a knowledge-based economy led by a highly skilled workforce.
However, the program’s capacity remains a consideration; it can only accommodate a limited number of students each iteration. The Ministry of Labour and QCDC are continually seeking to expand the program’s reach and impact, but face logistical challenges in securing sufficient placement opportunities and ensuring quality control across participating organizations.
Meanwhile, the initiative contributes to broader efforts to address skill gaps in the Qatari labor market. By providing early exposure to in-demand professions, officials hope to encourage more students to pursue education and training in these areas. This proactive approach aims to ensure a sustainable pipeline of qualified professionals to support the country’s economic ambitions. The program indirectly helps to promote vocational training, highlighting the value of skills-based education alongside traditional university pathways.
In contrast to simply providing information, “My Career-My Future” prioritizes experiential learning. This approach is proven to be more effective in shaping students’ perspectives and inspiring them to explore specific career options. Early career guidance is seen as a long-term investment, yielding returns in the form of a more engaged and productive workforce.
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Labour and QCDC are expected to evaluate the outcomes of the Winter Edition to refine the program for future iterations. A key area of focus will likely be expanding partnerships with companies in priority sectors to offer a wider range of placement opportunities. The timing of the next “My Career-My Future” program remains to be announced, but stakeholders anticipate another edition will be held in the coming academic year, contingent on ongoing funding and logistical feasibility. Further developments regarding the program’s expansion and sector focus will be closely monitored.
The success of this initiative will be measured by tracking student enrollment in relevant academic programs and their subsequent entry into the workforce. The long-term impact on Qatar’s economic diversification and the development of a highly skilled national workforce remains a critical area of observation.
Qatar Career Development Centre provides further information on programs and resources for students and professionals. The Ministry of Labour of Qatar publishes updates on labor market trends and skills development initiatives.