Doha: Qatar has increased its investment in vocational and technical education to better align its youth with the rapidly evolving needs of the job market.
In line with international trends, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education has introduced a series of strategic initiatives to modernize and expand technical education across the country, aiming to prepare students for the demands of the 21st-century economy.
Director of the Vocational, Technical, and Specialized Education Department at the Ministry, Engineer Hashem Mohammed Al-Sada, emphasized the growing global recognition of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
Speaking to Qatar TV recently, he said "TVET is no longer an alternative or secondary option. It is now a global priority, with many countries seeking skilled graduates who can contribute from day one”.
According to Al-Sada, societal attitudes toward vocational education have shifted positively in recent years.
While parents once hesitated to enroll their children in specialised or technical schools, today there is increasing recognition of their value, especially as companies and government institutions express growing demand for technically skilled graduates.
“Students in technical schools spend up to 40% of their time in labs, developing practical skills. By the time they graduate, they are job-ready and can begin contributing immediately in the workplace,” he explained.
This experience also accelerates their academic progress, as many higher education institutions recognize and credit the technical courses completed during high school, enabling students to fast-track their university degrees.
To further support students in identifying their strengths and interests, vocational and technical schools in Qatar now employ dedicated academic and career counselors.
These professionals assess students’ skills, guide them toward suitable specializations, and help match personal interests with market demand.
“A student may aspire to one field but excel in another. Counselors help navigate these decisions and point students toward areas where they are most likely to succeed,” Al-Sada noted.
The Ministry is actively updating its educational offerings to keep pace with labor market changes.
Some outdated specializations have been phased out due to low demand, while new high-demand fields—such as cybersecurity and artificial intelligence—are being introduced.
This dynamic approach ensures that graduates are equipped with skills relevant to current and future job opportunities.
To avoid market saturation, enrollment in certain specializations is closely monitored, ensuring that student interest remains aligned with actual labor force requirements.
The Ministry of Education and Higher Education, a couple of days ago, announced that it intends to open Qatar Technical Secondary School for Girls – Al Shamal in the Al Shamal area during the upcoming 2025–2026 academic year.
This strategic step aims to enhance technical and vocational education for girls and provide a specialized learning environment that contributes to preparing qualified national talent for the labour market.
As part of its future-oriented strategy, the Ministry plans to establish four new STEM schools, all expected to open by the academic year 2026–2027.
These schools will adopt the internationally recognized STEM curriculum, which emphasizes science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and fosters creativity, innovation, and analytical thinking.
