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Academy offers soft skills programmes to Emiratis

A private vocational academy offering qualification-based education for Emiratis was launched on Thursday on the TwoFour54 campus.

The Themar (fruits) Academy is expected to address the existing gap between the Emirati youth and the UAE labour market by offering soft skills programmes in leadership and administration, problem solving and decision-making, understanding innovation and change in organisations, business writing, and understanding standards and customer service requirements.

Hala Al Turki addressing a gathering at the opening ceremony of Themar Academy. — KT photo by Shoaib Anwer

According to Hala Al Turki, CEO of Themar Academy, “A close examination and analysis of the higher education programmes offered in the UAE by accredited institutions reveals a discrepancy in the skill needs of employers.”

Al Turki said the three- to four-month programmes will cover practical and work-based modules for high school graduates or graduates looking at joining the workforce and hoping to gain entry-level qualifications.

“It’s not theoretical... The programmes are hands-on or learning by doing,” she told Khaleej Times.

The new academy is certified by the British City and Guilds and the Institute of Leadership and Management, and is the first private centre to seek accreditation from the Abu Dhabi Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ACTVET). It is also on track to receiving accreditation from the National Qualifications Authority (NQA) for their programmes.

Al Turki said the Themar Academy aims to support the government’s nationalisation efforts as well as the efforts in raising the vocational training industry standards not only in the UAE but across the region.

“We plan to export these programmes to the GCC countries in future,” said Al Turki.

“Themar Academy is committed to strengthening the Arabic talent pool across the region by offering quality, job-relevant training aimed at supporting talent in achieving their full potential in the private sector,” said Noura Al Kaabi, CEO of TwoFour54.

The 650-sq-m campus, which includes management/faculty office area, a learners’ lounge and eight training halls, can accommodate up to 500 learners every month and expects to have approximately 6,000 trainees per year.

According to Al Turki, the academy hopes to accept students through sponsorship grants and is currently in talks with some public and private entities, including the oil and gas sector to sponsor nationals joining the programmes. -olivia@khaleejtimes.com