5 REASONS TO CHOOSE A VOCATIONAL EDUCATION

In today’s competitive job market, employers are looking for graduates who have all the knowledge, skills and attitude to be operational from day one. This is why employers are, in many cases, increasingly turning away from traditional university graduates in favour of those with vocational qualifications. Vocational education simply means ‘work related’. Dubai College of Tourism has created bespoke programmes across Tourism, Hospitality, Events, Retail Business and Culinary Arts, specifically tailored to what employers in Dubai are looking for. This means when a DCT graduate is ready to transition to their new career, the employers already know the value of a DCT qualification. The UAE government are also supporting the move towards vocational education with H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council stating "Vocational and technical training are key pillars in our journey towards tomorrow, as well as for our current economic and social sustainability.” Still not convinced? Here are five more reasons to choose a vocational education.

Get more hands-on experience

DCT trains students using real-life examples and equipment. The small class sizes and curriculum design means students actively learn through doing an activity rather than just reading or writing about it. Students work directly with the industry as much as possible through our instructors who are industry experts and professionals, a whole range of guest speakers, industry visits and of course, the guaranteed internships! Our close relationship with Dubai Tourism means we are able to open opportunities to our students unlike any other institution, from volunteering at the biggest events in Dubai to interning in the biggest hotel and travel brands. This gives DCT graduates a great professional network, an attractive CV and exposure to potential employers.

Focus on your area of passion

Vocational education allows students to follow their passion whether it’s for cooking, running events, travel or business negotiations. Through the way the programmes are designed, DCT focuses on developing the student as a whole person, not just making sure they can repeat facts. We guarantee small class sizes, lots of team work and opportunities to develop your confidence, communication and resilience in a safe environment. We know employers think these skills are critical and we prepare you for this.

Flexible pathways – move into a job quicker or onto university

Vocational training is designed to help students obtain a relevant education and get out into the work force as quickly as possible. After just one year of study at DCT students have the option to continue their studies or go directly into the work force (we will welcome them back in the future if they want to continue their studies). Vocational education and conventional qualification are complementary, not mutually exclusive. This means that many universities will accept credits from vocational qualifications into more traditional university courses. 

Affordable and flexible payment structures

Vocational education programmes are generally more affordable than traditional academic courses. DCT is a non-for-profit organisation focused entirely on the delivery of quality vocational education in Dubai. Students commit to only one year of study at a time, and there are no application fees, and no registration fees. DCT also offers installment payment plan options, discounts and scholarships. We aim to always be affordable and flexible, knowing that many families may struggle financially and we don’t want this to impact any young person’s chance at gaining a quality education and future employment opportunities.

Personalised learning and support

We understand that not everyone enjoys spending hours sat in long lectures, writing lots of essays or stressing about end of year exams, and this is where vocational education fits in. At DCT we use the most up to date, best practices in teaching and learning to make sure every student reaches their potential. We do small assessments through-out the year to relieve  exam pressure and we assess using lots of different methods such as role plays, presentations, research assignments and group projects. Our students benefit from more direct access to their instructors than at a traditional university, meaning you get the individual help you may need.

Vocational education really does provide many advantages and at DCT our main goal is to assist all our graduates to get related employment in the industry. Our admissions team are available to discuss any further concerns or questions you have about entering our vocational programmes.