IBM survey: the greatest perceived barrier to professional or technical skill development in the UAE is that programs are too expensive

IBM survey: the greatest perceived barrier to professional or technical skill development in the UAE is that programs are too expensive

- To tackle these misconceptions and bring STEM education closer to underrepresented communities, IBM is adding 45 IBM SkillsBuild collaborations globally including Zayed University, Abu Dhabi University, and University of Wollongong in Dubai

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES — Job seekers, students, and career changers around the world want to pursue roles related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) across different industries, but say programs are too expensive. At the same time, interest in STEM training remains higher in the UAE compared to other surveyed countries.

These were some of the global findings from a new study that IBM unveiled. The study*, administered by Morning Consult and commissioned by IBM, is based on more than 14,000 interviews of students, people seeking new jobs, and people seeking to change careers, located across 13 countries. Respondents also cited concerns that career options may not be available to them.

“Technology training is the backbone of the United Arab Emirates’ numerous diversification initiatives which is why we are committed to continue raising awareness of the benefits and accessibility of STEM education and training,” said Shukri Eid, IBM’s General Manager for Gulf, Levant and Pakistan. “As we prepare for COP 28 later this year, STEM education has never