Industry partners connect classroom education with real-world skills for UAE youth.
The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has expanded its Work Placement Program for Summer 2026, giving 578 high school students the chance to gain practical workplace experience, explore different career options and make better-informed decisions about their future.
Following the success of last year’s pilot programme, the initiative has grown significantly this summer, with placements available across Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. The programme is being delivered in partnership with 23 leading companies and organisations across sectors including hospitality, banking, healthcare, technology and more.
The programme’s expansion comes in response to strong student demand, with more than 2,900 applications submitted by young people seeking practical experience beyond the classroom.
Through placements across a wide range of industries, students gained first-hand experience of professional workplaces, explored career paths suited to their interests and developed a better understanding of the skills and expectations required in today’s job market.
The initiative also reflects ADEK’s commitment to building future-ready talent and equipping young people with the knowledge and practical skills needed to contribute to the UAE’s evolving workforce.
Before beginning their placements, students took part in a preparatory session to help them make the most of their workplace experience. The programme also included a workshop by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation on how artificial intelligence is shaping the future of work, as well as guidance on UAE values, professional behaviour and workplace expectations.
Under the initiative, ADEK offers structured and supervised placements lasting one to two weeks during school holidays. Each placement is developed in partnership with host organisations and linked to specific learning outcomes, allowing students to take on meaningful tasks and responsibilities rather than simply observe workplace activities.
Feedback from students, parents, school career counsellors and industry partners highlights the programme’s positive impact in boosting confidence, developing workplace skills and helping students make informed education and career decisions.
By creating a structured link between schools and employers, the Work Placement Program offers students a practical pathway from education to employment. It also gives industry partners an opportunity to contribute directly to developing Abu Dhabi’s young talent and building a sustainable pipeline of skilled, future-ready professionals.
