Online professional training courses are gaining popularity in the Middle East, but the availability of suitable courses hasn’t matched the increased demand, according to research by GulfTalent, a recruitment firm that operates an online recruitment portal for the region.
GulfTalent’s study shows that one out of five professionals interested in pursuing training prefers online courses. This signifies a significant shift, given that online training was practically nonexistent ten years ago. Additionally, 62% of those seeking training prefer classroom-based courses with an online component, while only 18% now prefer the traditional classroom-only format.
The growth of professional online training can mainly be attributed to its affordability and flexibility. Professionals surveyed by GulfTalent indicated an average budget of US$1,000 for a classroom-based training course, compared to just US$500 for an online course.
Despite the rapid increase in demand for online courses, the availability hasn’t kept pace. According to the survey, 14% of those seeking courses with an online component are unable to find a suitable course for their needs, compared with only 6% of those seeking traditional classroom-based courses.
This gap is even more pronounced for those seeking online courses in Arabic, with 23% struggling to find appropriate options in the market.
Traditional classroom-based training providers in the region are being affected by the rise of online courses. One provider told GulfTalent researchers that online courses, being significantly cheaper, have had a major impact on their business, and that they are planning to offer their own online courses soon.
In the meantime, with local options limited, professionals in the region are turning to international providers of online training to fulfill their learning and development needs.
International online training companies are independently entering the Middle East market, including through advertising on career sites like GulfTalent.
The decline in oil prices and the slowdown in the regional economy appear to have had a mixed effect on the regional training market. Several training providers interviewed by GulfTalent reported a sharp decrease in corporate demand for training as companies look to cut costs. However, this drive for cost-effectiveness seems to be encouraging many corporations to use online training more, further increasing demand in this area.
In contrast to corporate demand, demand from individuals paying for their own training is increasing as more professionals seek training and certifications to enhance their career prospects in an uncertain and competitive job market. According to the survey findings, motivations for pursuing training include general skill improvement, the most significant factor for 52% of professionals, followed by securing a promotion, getting a new job, or making a complete career change.
GulfTalent’s survey revealed that the desire for training was highest among IT and HR professionals in the region, with approximately one in two interested in some form of training. Lawyers reported the lowest demand, with only one in four planning to take a course in the next two years.
In terms of subject areas, the survey found the highest demand for training in engineering and project management, attributed to the large number of engineering professionals in the region, followed by finance. Female professionals, in particular, were drawn to HR, administration, business management, and education.
When choosing a specific course, professionals surveyed cited the training program’s profile and reputation as crucial factors in their decision. Obtaining a globally recognized certificate was particularly important. The most sought-after certificate is SAP’s, followed by PMP and ACCA.
For classroom-based training, location was also a significant factor, with around 75% preferring courses near their home or workplace. The limited availability of such proximity is further contributing to the growth of online courses.
*GulfTalent’s findings were based on a survey of 1,600 full-time employed professionals across nine Middle Eastern countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan. The study also included interviews with several leading training providers operating in the Middle East.