Muscat – The project, implemented by the Ministry’s Department of Statistics and Information, aims to study the compatibility of higher education outcomes with the requirements of the national labour market and identify the skills and competencies required in various economic sectors.

The project is considered an important periodic survey, as it aims to collect data until June 30 from various institutions that have employed graduates of higher education institutions between 2018 and the present.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Her Excellency Dr. Rahma bint Ibrahim Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation, emphasised that the project represents a fundamental pillar in formulating educational policies and linking them to labour market needs, in line with the goals of Oman Vision 2040. It aims to enhance competitiveness of the national economy.

Her Excellency stated that the project’s success depends on the cooperation of the private sector and higher education institutions, by providing accurate data on the level of graduate employment and the extent to which their qualifications match jobs. She noted that the survey results will contribute to guiding the development of academic programmes and enhancing graduates’ readiness for the labour market.

Her Excellency praised the supportive role played by various government agencies in this project, most notably the Public Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises, the Ministry of Labour, the National Centre for Statistics and Information, and the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit.

The project seeks to build a sustainable partnership between the public and private sectors by developing higher education curricula based on scientific foundations, informed by labour market indicators, and providing graduates with the required future skills.

The Employer Survey relies on the opinions of CEOs and human resources and recruitment managers to assess graduates’ capabilities and institutions’ needs for academic and professional specialisations, in addition to analysing data on vocational training and qualification programs.

It’s worth noting that this project is part of national efforts to enhance the alignment of higher education with economic and social development, and to leverage the role of statistical data in supporting decision-making and the formulation of future educational and practical policies.