Doha: Qatar Career Development Center (QCDC), established by Qatar Foundation (QF), has partnered with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) and the Ministry of Labour (MoL) to launch the sixth edition of its flagship career exploration program, 'Career Village.' This three-day immersive event in Qatar offers a hands-on tour of the country's diverse career opportunities.
According to Qatar News Agency, 'Career Village' commenced on Monday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by senior officials. The event brings together more than 40 leading public and private entities and welcomes hundreds of middle and high school students each day. Its primary objective is to bridge the gap between classroom education and the dynamic demands of Qatar's labor market, in alignment with the Third National Development Strategy 2024-2030.
Saad Abdulla Al Kharji, Executive Director of QCDC, stated, "Career Village has become a foundational pillar in QCDC's mission to cultivate a future-proof workforce." He emphasized that the program serves as a launchpad for job-shadowing initiatives, offering students a firsthand experience of real-world professions and allowing them to engage directly with industry professionals. This initiative aims to ignite students' curiosity and equip them with the critical skills needed for future success.
Fatima Youssef Al Obaidly, Assistant Director of School and Student Affairs Department at MoEHE, praised the launch of the sixth edition of 'Career Village.' She highlighted that the event plays a crucial role in supporting students' transition from education to the workforce, especially amidst the rapid changes and evolving needs of national development. Al Obaidly noted that the initiative provides high school students from both public and private schools with the opportunity to explore Qatar's key sectors and engage directly with professional institutions in a learning environment that mirrors real-life work settings.
Mohamed Salem Al Khulaifi, Acting Director of Rehabilitation and Skills Development at MoL, affirmed that 'Career Village' is one of the pioneering initiatives reflecting the Ministry's commitment to early career guidance and innovative learning environments. He explained that the Ministry's participation in the sixth edition underscores its dedication to empowering students with an understanding of labor market requirements and its various sectors. Al Khulaifi emphasized that this initiative plays a vital role in bridging the gap between education and employment, reflecting the spirit of integration among state institutions in preparing future generations.
Since its inception in 2017, 'Career Village' has engaged over 10,000 students and established itself as QCDC's flagship platform for experiential learning. This year's edition features experiential learning zones, interactive workshops on soft-skills development and industry trends, and personalized counseling sessions with career-guidance professionals. Students will have the opportunity to network with experts across sectors, gaining firsthand insights into day-to-day realities and emerging opportunities within each field.