Section two: International benchmarking

Country: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) (Emirates Skills)   

Country: Chinese Taipei (WorldSkills Chinese Taipei)  

The UAE’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) model is a comprehensive system designed to align with the nation’s economic goals and labour market needs, particularly in the health and social care sectors. The government plays a pivotal role, making significant investments and launching strategic initiatives, such as the National Strategy for Empowering People of Determination, to ensure the workforce is equipped to support both economic diversification and social welfare.  

Central to this approach is strong industry collaboration. Industry experts actively shape and continuously update the TVET curriculum, especially in critical sectors like health, technology, and social care, where evolving skills are essential. This partnership ensures that vocational programmes impart the most sought-after skills, preparing a workforce that is both skilled and adaptable to rapid advancements in these fields.  

The UAE’s TVET system seamlessly integrates apprenticeships and internships, offering students invaluable practical experience in real-world settings such as hospitals and care facilities. These hands-on training opportunities, developed in partnership with leading healthcare institutions, bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and professional practice, enhancing job readiness and ensuring that students are well-prepared for the demands of their respective fields.  

To maintain high standards in sectors like health and social care, the UAE emphasises lifelong learning and professional development. Continuous medical education is mandated, and specialised training is supported by state-of-the-art facilities leveraging technologies like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). These programmes ensure healthcare professionals stay abreast of the latest advancements. Social care professionals, like their healthcare counterparts, engage in ongoing education through courses, workshops, and certifications, crucial for staying updated with best practices, legal requirements, and emerging methodologies. While advanced technologies like VR and AR are more commonly used in healthcare training, their application in social care is growing, enhancing the effectiveness of training programmes in this field.  

 Furthermore, the UAE’s commitment to excellence is showcased through its emphasis on international competitiveness, demonstrated by encouraging participation in global competitions like WorldSkills. These initiatives foster a culture of excellence, ensuring that the nation’s workforce remains competitive on both domestic and international stages.  

Chinese Taipei’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) model in Health and Social Care is recognised for its comprehensive approach that effectively prepares students for the workforce. The model integrates practical experience with theoretical education, ensuring students are equipped with the skills needed to excel in their professional roles. Students benefit from extensive placements in healthcare and social care settings, where they gain hands-on experience, further reinforced through simulated learning environments. These simulations replicate real-life scenarios, allowing students to develop critical skills and build confidence in a controlled setting.  

The curriculum is developed in collaboration with leading healthcare and social care providers, ensuring it stays aligned with current industry standards and incorporates global best practices. This partnership ensures that graduates are well-prepared for local job markets and are competitive on an international level.  

The influence of the WorldSkills competition is particularly significant in this regard. Insights gained from the competition, which serves as an international benchmark for skills excellence, are integrated into the curriculum. This alignment ensures that students are trained in the most current and relevant skills, keeping the TVET programs at the forefront of industry needs.  

A distinctive feature of the TVET model in Chinese Taipei is its emphasis on person-centred and culturally competent care. Students are trained to approach care holistically, addressing the physical, emotional, and social needs of individuals while being sensitive to diverse cultural backgrounds. This focus is particularly important in a multicultural society, preparing students to provide high-quality care in various settings.  

Technology is integral to the training process, with students receiving instruction in the latest advancements such as e-health, telemedicine, and electronic health records management. This ensures they are proficient in the digital tools that are increasingly essential in both healthcare and social care environments.  

The model also includes rigorous competency-based assessments, which evaluate students on their practical skills, ethical decision-making, and ability to handle complex situations. These assessments are complemented by national certification processes, which serve as a benchmark for professional readiness and are recognised both locally and internationally.   

 Moreover, Chinese Taipei’s TVET system places a strong emphasis on lifelong learning, offering continuous professional development opportunities that allow health and social care professionals to stay up-to-date with advancements in their fields and continually refine their skills. This commitment to ongoing education ensures that the workforce remains adaptable and proficient in the face of evolving industry demands.  

The UAE’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system is founded on strong collaboration with industry, ensuring that vocational education is closely aligned with the evolving needs of employers and the broader economy. TVET institutions in the UAE work closely with advisory boards or committees composed of industry representatives, who provide continuous input into programme development. This collaboration ensures that training remains pertinent and effective.  

Industry experts play a key role in shaping and regularly updating the TVET curriculum, particularly in critical sectors like health, technology, and social care. This partnership guarantees that vocational programmes impart the most sought-after skills, preparing a workforce that is both skilled and adaptable to rapid advancements in these fields.  

Moreover, the UAE’s TVET system integrates apprenticeships and internships, developed in collaboration with leading institutions, to provide students with practical, real-world experience that bridges the gap between theory and practice. Additionally, the UAE fosters robust public-private partnerships, focusing on developing specialised training programmes, securing sponsorships, and launching new educational initiatives that align with industry needs.  

A dynamic feedback mechanism enables industry partners to regularly assess TVET programme outcomes, offering insights for necessary refinements. This ensures that the system remains flexible and responsive to market changes, particularly in sectors like health and social care, where new treatments and technologies are constantly emerging.  

Chinese Taipei’s approach to TVET in the health and social care sectors involves close collaboration with industry to ensure that training is relevant and up-to-date. This collaboration is evident in the development of curricula, which are designed with input from healthcare providers, social service organisations, and industry professionals. These partnerships ensure that the skills and knowledge taught are aligned with current industry standards.   

Students benefit from extensive on-the-job training and internships in real-world settings, such as hospitals and care homes, where they can apply their theoretical knowledge and gain practical experience. The use of modern technology and equipment, often provided by industry partners, further enhances their training, ensuring they are familiar with the tools and practices used in the workplace.   

Educators also participate in industry training to stay updated with the latest advancements, which they then incorporate into their teaching.   

Regular feedback from industry helps TVET institutions refine their programs to meet the evolving needs of the health and social care sectors.   

Additionally, participation in national and international competitions, such as WorldSkills, motivates students and raises training standards, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce with skills that are recognised both locally and internationally.