Mainstream vocational training institutions for the private sector are somewhat of a rarity in Dubai,UAE,particularly those aimed at private sector employees.While public sector support is available to train UAE nationals and get them job ready, there are not many private businesses that have set up vocational training academies and learning centres in the region. Private sector players are possibly discomfited by the extremely mobile labour market in the Middle East, and wary of investing in employees who may then move to a higher bidder. Yet in a market that is now seeing the need for more esoteric skills, private sector firms are being forced to invest in ways to impart training to channel partners and members of their workforce.

The latest firm to realise the importance of private sector vocational training is Cavotec Middle East FZE, a supplier of environmentally friendly power solutions. The organisation has announced the opening of its Wibe technical Academy in Dubai, UAE. Cavotec’s intention is to regularly hold courses and train installers as well as consultants in Wibe’s Cable Support Systems.

Mr. Thomas Widegren, Executive Chairman of Cavotec Middle East, said:“We are very pleased to initiate the academy for the first time in the Middle East, our objective is to train technicians here in very simple yet advanced technology, which is both time and cost efficient. There is a growing need within the region for technical training centres and our mission is to always provide the region with the most advanced and innovative technology which also is cost effective and simple to use.”

Founded in 1929, Wibe was the first producer of cable ladders in Sweden “The regional construction boom means that searching for the necessary skills is always a challenge, This lack of skill is a burden on companies’ resources,whatever their industry,” said Jurgen Strommer, Managing Director, Cavotec Middle East, adding, “The Wibe training academy will teach MEP installers how to significantly reduce their costs by saving huge amounts of time and money.”