Academics and specialists have identified five major challenges confronting vocational and technical education: societal stigma, insufficient funding for programs, a decline in student enrollment, curricula that do not align with job market demands, and a lack of vocational training opportunities for instructors.

They emphasize the necessity for collaborative efforts to dismantle obstacles and enhance the perception of vocational education among students and parents, viewing it as a cornerstone for economic development and a viable solution to unemployment by providing skilled labor that meets market needs.

The aim is to equip youth with practical skills relevant to the workforce.

Mona Khalifa, a member of the Committee on Financial, Economic, and Industrial Affairs in the Federal National Council, has stated that the output of vocational education represents a national workforce responsible for advancing the industrial sector in the UAE.

She views it as a valuable opportunity to offer educational alternatives that endow learners with essential vocational skills, thus elevating them to higher educational levels through training in new professional techniques and methods that enhance their life experiences.

Khalifa noted that the Committee on Education, Culture, Youth, Sports, and Media in the Federal National Council discussed last year its work plan to address the government's policy on technical education and vocational training.

The committee indicated that the UAE is actively working to refine its education sector at both the general and higher education levels to align with development plans and labor market needs.

Dr. Issa Al-Bastaki, President of Dubai University, highlighted that vocational and technical education is fundamental to economic growth and labor markets, aiming to provide youth with practical skills that fit the evolving needs of the market.

He underscored the importance of bridging the gap between university graduates and vocational certificates, representing the technicians and professionals who fill critical workforce shortages.

Al-Bastaki remarked that vocational education continues to be perceived as a secondary option compared to academic pathways, deterring students from enrolling despite its genuine prospects for immediate employment, particularly in trades, technological sectors, and technical services.

He further stated that this negative perception arises from the belief that vocational paths are suited for those who do not succeed in traditional academic routes.

Many vocational institutions face a financing deficit, which impacts training quality and infrastructure.

Educational institutions also struggle with outdated equipment and facilities, limiting students' abilities to acquire market-relevant skills.

In addition, the lack of effective collaboration between educational institutions and employers to determine in-demand skills and to update curricula accordingly remains a significant challenge.

Al-Bastaki emphasized the necessity of implementing clear policies to support vocational education to enhance its attractiveness to students.

Dr. Abdullah Al-Shamsi, Director of the British University in Dubai, pointed out that the labor market consistently requires modern skills; however, the curricula of some vocational institutions remain outdated, potentially hindering this vital sector's objectives, which serves as a gateway to the future of industry.

He noted that educators in this field often lack ongoing training opportunities, which affects the quality of education delivered.

Establishing partnerships between vocational education providers and industry players is crucial for offering practical training that equips students with the necessary skills.

Dr. Anna Chipsetat, Head of Executive Education and Business Projects at Heriot-Watt University Dubai, stated that the rapid transformations in the global economy have elevated the demand for professionals capable of adapting to change.

She emphasized the role of vocational education in skill enhancement and retraining to foster success in a constantly evolving environment, focusing on designing programs that address current and future skill needs, transcending traditional academic offerings to provide practical experiences that cultivate strategic thinking, leadership, and innovation in sectors such as real estate and banking.

Dr. Sanaa Al-Shamsi, an aviation consultant, acknowledged that modern technologies, including virtual training and artificial intelligence, have become powerful tools in enhancing the quality of vocational education.

She stressed the importance of encouraging and motivating students to pursue such education by providing scholarships, reduced student loans, or direct employment opportunities post-graduation, thereby boosting the appeal of vocational education.