Youths put skills ahead of money

Emirati youths entering the job market prioritise skills over salaries. That was the message from young people attending the Emirati Youth Forum yesterday who said the opportunity to grow was the deciding factor in accepting a job - four places ahead of pay. About 50 students and recent graduates took part in the forum held a day before the Emiratisation Summit. They were from universities in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Sharjah and Fujairah.

In a live voting session, 30 per cent of participants said the opportunity for growth and promotion was the most important factor when considering a job offer; 20 per cent said learning new skills was the top factor; while 18 per cent said work environment and culture was the main factor. Only 10 per cent said they would consider salary first. A mere 2 per cent said working hours were the most important criterion. Job fairs, career guidance and workshops with corporate guests are ways that universities can help create new perceptions about working in the private sector.

On the other hand, private sector employers mistakenly believe that Emirati youth place more emphasis on salary, benefits and working hours, Sulaf Al Zu’ubi, forum moderator and chief executive officer of training and mentorship company Injaz, told Gulf News. “In order to realize Emiratisation targets, awareness about private sector opportunities needs to be enhanced among the youth,” she added. When choosing between public and private sector positions, the deciding factors for Emirati youth tend to be growth and promotion opportunities, work environment and skill development. “The private sector work environment does not always provide sufficient motivation for Emirati youth,” said Ali Ahmad, a 20-year-old student of Dubai Men’s College who attended the forum.