KPMG, a prominent professional services firm, has launched the ‘Blue Wave’ programme with the aim of improving the lives of blue-collar workers in the UAE.
The initiative is a response to the vital role these workers play in driving the nation’s economy and developing its infrastructure.
The Blue Wave programme concentrates on providing educational opportunities, skills development, and assistance to blue-collar workers, many of whom encounter challenges in advancing their careers due to limited access to resources.
“Education provides the foundational knowledge and skills, while experience allows individuals to apply and refine these skills in practical settings, enhancing their career prospects and earning potential,” Pera explained, emphasizing the advantages of educating blue-collar workers.
“With the skills gained through education, workers are likely to be more efficient, leading to higher productivity. Therefore, with better training and upskilling, blue-collar workers can operate more effectively, manage resources better, and maintain safer work environments,” he added, noting that through “continuous learning” and “upskilling,” they will be able to adapt to new technologies and methods essential for keeping pace with global economic changes and innovations.
According to Pera, this adaptability can lead them to develop more innovative solutions and drive improvements in work processes.
Greater awareness about mental and physical health enables blue-collar workers to improve their quality of life, which can result in better job opportunities, higher income, and improved living conditions, Pera explained, adding that consequently, this can contribute to providing them with greater job satisfaction and lower attrition rates within their professions.
Free courses and workshops for blue-collar workers are offered under the new KPMG initiative. The Blue Wave initiative provides free courses and workshops in collaboration with organizations such as the SmartLife Foundation, which closely engages with the UAE’s blue-collar worker community.
“We have been actively involved in volunteering with labor camps and the SmartLife Foundation to provide Smart Computer classes. The initiative involves conducting weekly Smart Computer sessions at the labor camps situated around Al Quoz in Dubai, where our dedicated volunteers have been delivering engaging workshops designed to enhance the participants’ digital skills. These workshops cover essential applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. We have also worked with the foundation to conduct online sessions with women from blue-collar jobs to empower them, by educating them about health, hygiene, technology, and other relevant topics,” Pera said.
However, implementing the Blue Wave initiative has not been without its challenges, but KPMG has been proactive in finding innovative solutions to overcome them.
Some of the challenges the company faced included availability, accessibility, language barriers, and sustainability concerns.
“These programs are scheduled for Sunday mornings, a designated holiday for blue-collar workers, ensuring they are generally free to attend. However, occasional overtime commitments can interfere with their availability. To address this, we actively seek commitments from labor camp employers to manage work schedules effectively. This support helps ensure that work obligations do not prevent workers from attending these valuable classes,” Pera said, addressing the issue of availability.
Addressing accessibility concerns, KPMG has further partnered with camp leaders to arrange transportation services for the workers.
“Due to transportation costs involved, accessing the classrooms were becoming difficult for the blue-collar workers. To overcome this obstacle, we collaborated with camp leaders to arrange transportation services for the workers,” Pera said.
Language barriers posed another obstacle, but KPMG found a solution by strategically selecting volunteers from similar cultural backgrounds, Pera explained.
“To tackle this challenge, we adopted a collaborative approach by cementing strong partnerships with organizations like the SmartLife Foundation. By pooling resources and expertise, we can ensure the sustainability of our programs and maximize their impact over the long term,” he said.
KPMG aims to bridge gaps in the community through its new blue-collar initiative.
KPMG remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting the education and skills development of blue-collar workers in the UAE.
In a significant step forward, Pera revealed that earlier in March, the company inaugurated a dedicated classroom for Smart Computers at the Smart Life Foundation headquarters in Al Quoz, Dubai, equipped with 30 laptops, chairs, and tables, and a TV, “significantly enhancing the Foundation’s capacity to educate more blue-collar workers.”
Recognizing the invaluable contributions of blue-collar workers, Pera also highlighted the firm’s dedication to the cause.
“These workers, often the unsung heroes behind the scenes, play a crucial role in building the country’s infrastructure and supporting the national vision and economy. We believe it is a priority to recognize their contribution and address gaps they face, especially when it comes to career growth and progression. KPMG remains committed to continuing our support through ongoing sessions. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on the lives of blue-collar workers in our community,” he concluded.