Opportunities matter as much as skills, says educator

Observer

13-05-2025

Possessing the right skills is essential, so is creating opportunities for young people to explore and secure meaningful career paths, opines Dr Ali bin Saud al Bimani, who, drawing from his vast experience as both an educator and vice-chancellor at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) and NU. He voiced a growing concern — the increasing challenge of youth unemployment in Oman.
The debate over job market success is far from straightforward. Some argue that a strong academic foundation is the key to securing employment, while others emphasise the importance of specialised skill sets tailored to 21st-century industries. Another perspective champions vocational training as a viable and necessary alternative. This divide is further reflected in the sheer number of applications received for job vacancies.
'For a vacancy of 20, there are often over 1,000 qualified applicants. When only 20 are selected, does it mean the remaining 980 lack skills? Or is this simply a reflection of the limited job opportunities available?' Dr Al Bimani posed a thought-provoking question, highlighting the intricate web of factors that influence employment outcomes — qualifications, experience, industry demands, and, above all, the realities of a highly competitive job market.
Each year, the country produces approximately 50,000 high school graduates and around 25,000 university graduates — an impressive testament to the government's strong commitment to education. However, despite this investment, the economy is not expanding at a pace that can absorb such a large influx of skilled individuals. He says, as a result, thousands of graduates find themselves struggling to secure positions in both the public and private sectors, leading to rising concerns over unemployment and underemployment.
Dr Al Bimani cautions against the tendency to assign blame, emphasising that the focus should instead be on structural solutions. He underscores the urgent need for Oman to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and foster private sector growth. "Expanding economic opportunities is the most sustainable way to bridge the employment gap and ensure that the nation's talented youth have access to meaningful careers," he said.
He stressed the critical role of Industrial Internships, hands-on training in bridging skill gaps, and effective entrepreneurship structure at universities advocating for stronger workforce development programmes that combine academic learning with practical life experience.
He pointed out three major areas of untapped potential that could serve as engines of economic growth. First, Oman's 3,165-kilometre coastline — stretching along the Arabian Sea, the Sea of Oman and the Arabian Gulf — offers immense opportunities for the fishing and marine industry. Investing in fish processing and export infrastructure could create new jobs and empower Omani entrepreneurs. Second, the country's plentiful sunshine is a largely untapped resource for solar energy generation and potentially innovative battery storage. Third, Oman's diverse mineral resources make it a unique global phenomenon if utilised wisely. Capitalising on these natural advantages could not only boost economic diversification, but also position Oman as a leader in a sustainable economy less dependent on oil and gas resources supporting 2040 vision.