Mapping employers' perspectives on student employability to address skills-gaps in the United Arab Emirates

摘要

Though employability of graduates has a direct correlation with their skill sets, yet, often there is a profound disconnect between the skill sets that employers want and the ones that job seekers possess. The current study aims to investigate this issue from the perspectives of employers based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Eighty two leading employers of BBA graduates based in Ajman, Sharjah and Dubai were interviewed along with twenty six leading employers of MBA graduates. A theoretical framework, tailored to address the specific skills-gaps that prevail in the region, as well as to anticipate and address the skills and competencies that might be required in the future has been constructed. This paper provides new theoretical insights that addresses the skills gaps which exist in United Arab Emirates. The findings of this study will help the education providers in the region to design strategies to enhance the employability of their graduates.