Tribune News Network
Doha
The Ministry of Labour (MoL), in collaboration with the Career Development Student Association at Qatar University (QU) and in partnership with the Qatar Career Development Centre (QCDC), has launched the second edition of the Career Camp for university students. This initiative aims to empower graduating students and equip them with the skills necessary to excel in the labour market.
As part of its ongoing efforts to bolster the national workforce, the MoL is dedicated to enhancing the competitiveness of graduates, particularly within private sector institutions. Running until January 9, the Career Camp provides participants with practical skills, introduces them to labour market requirements, and offers valuable insights into professional training and career opportunities.
In this regard, Sheikha Abdulrahman Al-Badi, assistant undersecretary for national manpower affairs in the private sector at the MoL, highlighted that the second edition of the Career Camp is part of broader efforts to prepare and qualify the national workforce for the private sector labour market. She noted that this initiative aligns with the Third National Development Strategy 2024-2030, which seeks to empower Qataris and the children of Qatari women to thrive as competitive professionals. Additionally, it aims to establish a robust national talent pool in the private sector capable of driving significant progress towards a more productive and dynamic labour market across various economic sectors, while actively contributing to the nation’s sustainable development goals. Furthermore, the strategy focuses on attracting highly skilled expatriate workers to enhance overall workforce quality.
Mohammed Salem Al-Khlaifi, director of the Qualifying and Skills Development Department at the MoL, emphasised the importance of engaging directly with students nearing graduation to better prepare them for entering the workforce. He also highlighted that the second edition of the Career Camp provides an excellent opportunity for students to familiarise themselves with the most sought-after specialisations and essential skills needed during their university studies to boost employability and readiness for the job market.
Mohamed Al-Hafiz, president of QU’s Career Development Student Association, explained that the number of participants had been increased to 60 students from various universities. He also noted that the field visits had been expanded, dedicating the entire third training day to a visit to Qatar Science and Technology Park. This visit, he stated, aims to raise awareness of global and local trends in entrepreneurship and innovation. Additionally, the training content and the quality of trainers have been significantly enhanced.
Saad Abdulla Al-Kharji, acting director of the Qatar Career Development Centre, commented on the collaboration with the Ministry of Labour, stating: “We value our partnership in supporting ambitious youth through the Career Camp. This initiative aligns with the Qatar Career Development Centre’s mission to prepare university students with the necessary tools and skills to thrive in the labour market and contribute to the nation’s future.”
The programme features a variety of workshops, activities, and field visits to workplace environments. These aim to foster self-development, build self-confidence, and enhance critical thinking, problem-solving, planning, and emotional intelligence. Participants will also gain hands-on experience through mock job interviews and develop transferable skills applicable across multiple sectors.
Notably, the Career Camp received 300 applications, followed by personal interviews with shortlisted candidates. Ultimately, 60 students were selected to participate in this edition.
