Vocational education shaping Oman’s future workforce
'The initiative helps students prepare for a future career path rooted in skills while meeting the labour market’s demand'
Published: 05:01 PM,Jan 04,2025 | EDITED : 09:01 PM,Jan 04,2025
The implementation of vocational and technical education has opened up new horizons for students
MUSCAT: Vocational and technical education in Oman is shaping the aspirations of students by aligning education with labour market demands, enhancing practical and professional skills, and contributing to the realisation of 'Oman Vision' 2040. This initiative not only equips students with the tools for a successful career but also ensures that national competencies meet the needs of a dynamic and evolving workforce.
The implementation of vocational and technical education opens new horizons for students, enabling them to pursue specialised technical training with efficiency and confidence. These programmes ensure that students are well-prepared for higher education or immediate entry into various industries, creating a pool of high-quality national talent to address current and future labour market needs.
Dr Atom bint Mohammed Al Khatiri, Assistant Director, Department of Humanities Curriculum Development for Foreign Languages and Head of the Vocational and Technical Education Implementation Team for the BTEC Programme, emphasised the Ministry’s commitment to aligning school education with global trends. “This initiative helps students prepare for a future career path rooted in skills while meeting the labour market’s demands,” she stated.
This two-year programme for post-basic education focuses on developing knowledge and practical skills in professional and technical fields, tailored to students' interests and aspirations. The curriculum includes basic, optional, and specialised subjects, with international accreditation ensuring professional skill development.
The British Pearson Foundation’s BTEC programme has been introduced in four government schools in Muscat and North Al Batinah Governorates. Specialisations include Business Administration and Information Technology, taught in English, and Engineering and Industry, delivered in Arabic for male students. This interactive curriculum blends theoretical learning with hands-on application, fostering skills such as project management, business operations, marketing strategies, programming, and cybersecurity — key competencies in the digital age.
Initial evaluations reveal strong acceptance among students and the local community, with noticeable improvements in academic performance and practical skills.
Ali bin Suleiman Al Amri, a 11th grade student at Hafs bin Rashid School for Basic Education for Boys, remarked, “Vocational and technical education equips us with practical skills that benefit our lives. It allows us to explore fields like engineering or technology, enhancing job prospects and enabling financial independence.”
Similarly, Lujain bint Ali Al Ghafiliya, a 12th grade student at Halima Al Saadiya Basic Education School, shared her enthusiasm: “Our school encourages us to pursue vocational education by offering a supportive environment. I hope for more intensive English training from the tenth grade to excel in professional subjects.”
Educators and specialists emphasise the importance of implementing the directives of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, which advocate for vocational and technical education. This system empowers 11th and 12th-grade students to explore fields such as engineering and industrial specialisations, equipping them with critical skills to contribute to Oman’s growth.
By fostering a generation of skilled professionals, vocational and technical education serves as a cornerstone in building a sustainable and competitive workforce, ultimately driving the nation closer to achieving 'Oman Vision' 2040.
The implementation of vocational and technical education opens new horizons for students, enabling them to pursue specialised technical training with efficiency and confidence. These programmes ensure that students are well-prepared for higher education or immediate entry into various industries, creating a pool of high-quality national talent to address current and future labour market needs.
Dr Atom bint Mohammed Al Khatiri, Assistant Director, Department of Humanities Curriculum Development for Foreign Languages and Head of the Vocational and Technical Education Implementation Team for the BTEC Programme, emphasised the Ministry’s commitment to aligning school education with global trends. “This initiative helps students prepare for a future career path rooted in skills while meeting the labour market’s demands,” she stated.
This two-year programme for post-basic education focuses on developing knowledge and practical skills in professional and technical fields, tailored to students' interests and aspirations. The curriculum includes basic, optional, and specialised subjects, with international accreditation ensuring professional skill development.
The British Pearson Foundation’s BTEC programme has been introduced in four government schools in Muscat and North Al Batinah Governorates. Specialisations include Business Administration and Information Technology, taught in English, and Engineering and Industry, delivered in Arabic for male students. This interactive curriculum blends theoretical learning with hands-on application, fostering skills such as project management, business operations, marketing strategies, programming, and cybersecurity — key competencies in the digital age.
Initial evaluations reveal strong acceptance among students and the local community, with noticeable improvements in academic performance and practical skills.
Ali bin Suleiman Al Amri, a 11th grade student at Hafs bin Rashid School for Basic Education for Boys, remarked, “Vocational and technical education equips us with practical skills that benefit our lives. It allows us to explore fields like engineering or technology, enhancing job prospects and enabling financial independence.”
Similarly, Lujain bint Ali Al Ghafiliya, a 12th grade student at Halima Al Saadiya Basic Education School, shared her enthusiasm: “Our school encourages us to pursue vocational education by offering a supportive environment. I hope for more intensive English training from the tenth grade to excel in professional subjects.”
Educators and specialists emphasise the importance of implementing the directives of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, which advocate for vocational and technical education. This system empowers 11th and 12th-grade students to explore fields such as engineering and industrial specialisations, equipping them with critical skills to contribute to Oman’s growth.
By fostering a generation of skilled professionals, vocational and technical education serves as a cornerstone in building a sustainable and competitive workforce, ultimately driving the nation closer to achieving 'Oman Vision' 2040.