(Al-Tatbiqi) Explores Expansion in Priority Programs and Introduction of Specialized Majors
Kuwait City, Aug 10 (KUNA) -- The Board of Directors of the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET), chaired by Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Dr. Nader Al-Jalal, held a meeting on Monday to discuss expanding priority programs and introducing specialized disciplines such as railways, food security, energy, and sustainability.
In a press statement, PAAET Director General Dr. Hassan Al-Fajam said the meeting discussed a comprehensive future vision to develop the system of disciplines and programs, aligning them with economic and technological transformations, as well as current and future labor market requirements.
Al-Fajam clarified that the meeting reviewed an integrated vision for developing the discipline system, beginning with an analysis of the status of programs offered for the 2026/2027 academic and training year, and disciplines where admissions were temporarily suspended due to a lack of current demand. This process aimed to identify priority areas where the authority could expand, reintroduce, or create new programs.
He noted that the vision was based on an analysis of admission data over the past five years, trends in student interest in various disciplines, and their correlation with graduate data, career paths, employment opportunities, and labor market needs. This analysis also incorporated outcomes from coordination meetings with the Civil Service Bureau, the Public Authority for Manpower, and various government and private entities, with the participation of college deans, institute directors, and the Graduate Follow-up and Labor Market Department.
Al-Fajam added that the discussions covered several future specialized pathways, including a flagship program in railway systems maintenance. This program aims to train national technical cadres in maintenance, operation, safety, and supporting systems, aligning with the state’s direction toward implementing the railway project and its associated technical and human resource needs.
He mentioned that the proposed fields included specializations in food security and sustainability, energy, sustainability, and resource efficiency. These areas are designed to support national priorities, keep pace with transformations in economic and technological sectors, and enhance the capacity of national cadres to work in future-oriented fields.
He pointed out that the vision aims to open new career prospects for PAAET graduates by developing existing disciplines, reintroducing demanded programs, and expanding programs proven to meet labor market needs. It also includes reviewing the names of several colleges and institutes to reflect the nature of their programs and future directions.
Furthermore, he highlighted the study of a proposal to merge the Nursing Institute with the College of Nursing, aiming to enhance integration between academic education and applied training, thereby improving the efficiency of the educational and training system and the quality of its outputs.
During the meeting, the PAAET Board of Directors recommended forming a specialized committee composed of board members to study the future vision, proposals for renaming certain colleges and institutes, the expansion of priority disciplines and programs, and the creation of programs linked to development projects and future jobs. The committee was also tasked with studying the proposal to merge the Nursing Institute into the College of Nursing, and to submit its recommendations to the Board for appropriate action. (End) A.S.A. / A.M.H.
