Leading education providers in the UAE welcome recognition of international qualifications
Dubai, UAE, 17 May, 2016 – Dubai: The Emirates Aviation University and Pearson have announced their support of changes to the rules governing qualifications recognition in the UAE.
Recently, the UAE’s National Qualifications Authority (NQA) and Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) announced that international qualifications, such as Pearson’s BTEC qualifications, would be recognised throughout the UAE.
Pearson qualifications, including the BTEC National Diplomas and Higher National Diplomas, are offered through a number of UAE educational providers. These qualifications, which have long been recognised by awarding agencies around the world, will now also be officially recognised by the UAE government.
Dr Naji Al Mahdi, Chief of Qualifications and Awards at KHDA, was enthusiastic about the benefits UAE recognition of international qualifications will bring. He commented: “This new recognition service will address challenges faced by young men and women ingetting their professional and vocational qualifications recognised in the UAE. The recognition service will provide an official confirmation and validation that an international qualification meets the requirements of a specific level on the National Qualifications Framework for the purpose of employment and progression to higher education”.
The Emirates Aviation University (EAU), which offers several BTEC qualifications, has applauded the announcement. Dr Ahmad Al Ali, Vice Chancellor of EAUbelieves changes will bring benefits not only to those learners undertaking a professional or vocational qualification, but also organisations looking to recruit suitable trained graduates. He says: “Undertaking a vocational qualification requires a significant commitment in both time and money. Learners therefore want to be sure that they are embarking on a programme that will give them the best possible chance of success in future employment. By obtaining recognition, programmes like the Higher National Diploma have been given a mark of quality that assures learners that their chosen qualification adheres to rigorous guidelines. It is also great news for employers, who will now be readily able to identify candidates with a superior qualification and have an understanding of the level of capability associated with that qualification.”
Mark Andrews, Regional Director of Pearson Qualifications in the Middle East acknowledged the important role recognition plays in building a professional and competent vocational workforce. He says: “The UAE, and wider GCC region are affected by a skills gap where employers are routinely unable to find candidates with the requisite standard of qualifications and competencies, particularly in many vocational areas. The changes to the way vocational qualifications are recognised in the UAE will help to build a more professional vocationally-based workforce, and fill some of the gaps that currently exist in the labour market. By streamlining and simplifying the recognition process, we will hopefully see more people completing high quality vocational programmes and entering employment in in-demand fields”.