Impact of Training and Development on Employee Career Progression and Job Satisfaction in the Public Sector of the UAE.

This study investigates the influence of training and development programs on career progression and job satisfaction within the public sector of the United Arab Emirates. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 200 public sector employees through structured surveys and from 17 participants via semi-structured interviews. Quantitative analysis using Kendall’s tau and regression models revealed significant positive associations between the perceived effectiveness of training and both job satisfaction and career progression, although tangible promotion and compensation outcomes were less evident. Qualitative thematic analysis highlighted key enablers, including managerial support and training relevance, as well as barriers such as limited application opportunities and the absence of structured follow-up. The findings suggest that while training initiatives improve skills and satisfaction, aligning them more closely with organizational promotion pathways and providing post-training support are essential for maximizing their impact.