A pilot project has been launched to train and test the skills of 2,500 construction sector workers before they enter the UAE, according to the country’s Ministry of Labour (MoL), reports emirates247.com. 

Saqr Ghobash, Minister of Labour, said: “The 2,500 workers will be recruited randomly from major labour-sending countries; mainly India, Pakistan, and the Philippines, to work for national enterprises in the construction sector. While they will be provided with professional training in their own countries, they will also be tested for qualifying expertise to fill certain occupations before arriving to the UAE that, of course, will be in accordance with professional standards that have been developed by Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council and the National Qualifications Authority.”

"Participants involved in the project will also be tested during their stay in the country to document additional gained skills in their new workplace, to facilitate employment within national facilities with trained and qualified manpower, which will positively affect the national labour market and both sides of the production process,” he added.

The project aims to document the skills and experience gained by the workers during their stay in the UAE, in order to help them find other jobs when they return to their home countries. The project will take about two years to conclude, during which time the MoL will develop employment policies and improve the country’s skills list, a part of the government's development vision for 2021.

Researchers from Zayed University will follow the progress of the project, with the support of international organisations; such as the World Bank, the International Labour Organisation, and the International Migration Organisation.

Representatives of the construction companies involved in the project have stressed its importance, as it should provide companies with skilled labourers, who are qualified enough to fill vacant occupations. They added such a move will also cut basic training costs.