Oman Science Festival spotlights vocational

MUSCAT, NOV 8
A panel discussion highlighting the experiences of vocational and technical education students took place on Sunday as part of the 5th edition of the Oman Science Festival, held at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, showcasing the diverse academic pathways, practical skills and career opportunities available through vocational and technical education.
Held under the title 'Diverse Pathways, Integrated Skills: Experiences of Vocational and Technical Education Students', the session was organised by the Directorate-General of Vocational and Technical Education at the Ministry of Education. It was moderated by Dr Mohammed al Balushi, Director of the Vocational and Technical Education Department at the Directorate-General of Education in Al Batinah North Governorate.
The discussion brought together six students representing a range of specialisations, including business administration, information technology, travel and tourism, occupational health and safety, lifting and handling operations, engineering maintenance, and other engineering and industrial disciplines.
Through their personal experiences, the participants shared insights into their respective fields of study, describing their daily learning and training activities, practical projects and the skills they had acquired. They also discussed challenges encountered during their studies, the support received from teachers and trainers, and opportunities for collaboration across different specialisations.
The session also featured Dalal bint Sulaiman al Harthi, Head of the Admissions and Applicants Follow-up Department at the Higher Education Admission Centre, who provided information on admission procedures, available vocational and technical specialisations, and the mechanisms for enrolling in these educational pathways.
Her participation offered students and visitors an opportunity to gain a clearer understanding of the available options for pursuing further education and training, as well as the relevant admission requirements, helping prospective students make informed decisions about their academic futures.
The discussion further emphasised the importance of choosing specialisations in accordance with individual interests, abilities and aspirations. It also highlighted the complementary nature of administrative, technical, engineering, industrial and tourism-related skills, and the importance of practical learning in equipping students with the competencies required by the labour market.
The session aimed to familiarise students and visitors with the different vocational and technical pathways, showcase students’ achievements and encourage young people to explore educational opportunities beyond conventional academic routes.
The discussion reflects the Ministry of Education’s efforts to strengthen vocational and technical education as a means of preparing qualified national talent capable of meeting evolving workforce demands, in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.