By Vanessa Northway, Executive Director of Education and Student Life, Heriot-Watt University Dubai
The past few years have seen the job market evolve unprecedentedly, driven by rapid technological advancements and shifting industry demands. Skills once highly sought after may no longer align fully with today’s rapidly evolving job market demands. This makes upskilling more crucial now than ever. Organisations aiming to enhance their efficiency and secure long-term success recognise the pressing need to invest in reskilling and upskilling their current workforce. As industries embrace technological advancements and adapt to shifting market trends, staying ahead requires a workforce with the right skills to navigate these changes.
Half of the global workforce will require reskilling due to technological advancements
The global job market is undergoing a paradigm shift. Automation, artificial intelligence, and the green economy are reshaping job roles across industries. The World Economic Forum predicts that by 2025, half of the global workforce will require reskilling due to technological advancements. To prepare for the future, individuals and organisations must prioritise reskilling and upskilling, embedding professional development as a core component of workforce planning. Universities play a pivotal role in providing relevant skills that meet the changing landscape of workplace needs by offering updated programmes and curricula designed to equip learners with the skills required to grow in an evolving job market.
For instance, Heriot-Watt University provides executive education programs for industry and government entities, which are curated specifically to cater to their needs and to prepare our students as well as the wider industry with bespoke solutions to be future-ready. It is crucial to ensure these learning opportunities are accessible, widely available, and affordable for all. In the UAE, the job market is being further aligned with national goals such as the UAE Centennial 2071 and the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031. These initiatives emphasise the development of sectors like renewable energy, space exploration, advanced healthcare, and smart cities. Roles in data analysis, AI, digital marketing, cybersecurity, and sustainability are expected to see high demand, while traditional roles may evolve to incorporate new skill sets.
Heriot-Watt University Dubai offers cutting-edge Post Graduate programmes
Academic institutions in the UAE offer innovative and industry-aligned programs to meet the changing demands of the job market. For instance, Heriot-Watt University Dubai offers cutting-edge Post Graduate programmes in these areas, ensuring students are ready for the future and capable of meeting industry expectations. Some of the top programs for 2025 include Energy, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Construction Project Management, Real Estate, Interior Architecture and Design, Business Analytics and Consultancy, Business Psychology, International Business Management with Marketing, and Finance and Management.
Heriot-Watt University offers a range of scholarships to support students in their upskilling journey
Heriot-Watt University is at the forefront of preparing students for the future workforce through innovative strategies and a commitment to academic excellence. By fostering industry connections and emphasising real-world applications, the university ensures its graduates are equipped to excel in their careers and future-ready as well as future-proofed. Moreover, recognising the financial barriers that can impede access to education, Heriot-Watt University offers a range of scholarships to support students in their upskilling journey. These scholarships are tailored to reward academic excellence & merit, encourage diversity, and assist those with financial needs.
Key scholarship opportunities include;
- Exclusive CAA Offer: Postgraduate students transferring from CAA-accredited universities in the UAE will receive a 25% flat discount on tuition fees. This offer applies only to tuition fees and cannot be combined with additional discounts or scholarships.
- Future Made for Success Scholarship is available to foundation and undergraduate students, this scholarship provides up to AED 15,000 in discounts for those who apply and pay the tuition fee deposit by 31 December 2024 for the January 2025 intake.
- The Postgraduate January Intake Discount is for postgraduate students enrolling in the January intake, who will receive a discount of AED 15,000.
- Furthermore, the Postgraduate Merit Scholarship is awarded based on undergraduate results, offering up to 15% of the tuition fee. It is distributed equally across the instalments and is calculated on the net tuition after any other discounts are applied. The scholarship is guaranteed and supports students who show outstanding academic performance. These scholarships ease the financial burden and motivate students to excel in their chosen fields.
As industries transform, the demand for professionals who can adapt and innovate will only grow. Heriot-Watt University is playing a critical role in shaping the future workforce through its forward-thinking programs, scholarship opportunities, and commitment to bridging education with employment.
For students and professionals alike, investing in education and continuous learning is the key to unlocking success in the dynamic world of tomorrow.
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