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New report defines world-class apprenticeships as those rooted in sector skills, knowledge and progression to employment

Analysis of leading countries points to defining features of world-class apprenticeships with lessons for the Middle East

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, August 29th 2016 – A new report has been released in the Middle East from the University of Derby, supported by Pearson, which looks at some of the world’s most heralded apprenticeship systems. The report is particularly useful for the Middle East, where many countries, such as the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, look to vocational education as a means through which economic diversification and reduced economic reliance on oil can be achieved.

The report’s main author, Dr Ruth Mieschbuehler, interviewed some of the world’s leading apprenticeship reformers in countries such as Germany, Denmark, Australia and the Netherlands. The following characteristics are identified in the report as being particularly important for a strong apprenticeship system:

  • extended apprenticeships of between three to four years;
  • broad and in-depth scientific and industrial skills and knowledge;
  • the presence of a ‘master’ in the company to train an apprentice;
  • high-quality knowledge-based education and training;
  • recognition through an occupational title on completion of the training;
  • apprentices to acquire all the skills and knowledge necessary to work effectively in an occupation;
  • apprentices to become skilled workers in an occupational area with a critical and creative approach; and
  • progression routes into employment as well as into further education and training.

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HBMSU receives Pearson recognition in education for ‘Smart Training Model’

  
Adoption of best international quality practices is proactive step towards continued leadership in smart education
UAE, July 24, 2016 –Under the unlimited support of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and President of Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU), and the close follow up of the Board of Trustees, the university has received Pearson recognition in education. The achievement complements HBMSU’s leadership in driving innovation, creativity and excellence in learning and education in the Arab World. The university was recognized for its Smart Training Model (A.A.A) which reflects the institution’s remarkable success in adopting the highest quality standards and best global practices in the field of education as part of its effective cooperative strategies with renowned international institutions involved in establishing benchmarks for the education sector.
Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, Chancellor of HBMSU, said: “We are honored to accept an advanced international classification from a prestigious international company in the field of learning and education such as Pearson. The recognition emphasizes anew the leadership of HBMSU in fostering a culture of quality, excellence and scientific research via smart learning, and creating new ways to manage education and training system in accordance with the highest international quality standards.”
“There is no doubt that obtaining the Pearson recognition in education strengthens our leading position regionally in terms of providing high-quality education, in accordance with the wise directives of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and President of HBMSU, and the follow-up of our Board of Trustees, in order to re-shape the future of learning in the Arab World by using innovative methods that meet the requirements of the 21st Century,’ he added.
 “This latest achievement is a quantum leap towards consolidating the leadership of HBMSU in enriching knowledge and promoting excellence, quality and innovation in smart learning and scientific research. It will enable us to provide our integrated portfolio of smart education –based academic and training programs marked by Pearson’s recognition. This provides proof that our administrative, operational, training and educational methodologies match the highest international quality standards. We look forward with confidence that this major step will guarantee that our current and future learners receive high-quality education which will serve our common aspirations in improving the lives of people around the world through learning and education,” concluded Al Awar.
HBMSU’s Smart Training Model is based on the three independent phases of Awareness, Application, and Advisory. The Awareness phase is based on the self-paced learning process which provides individual and organizational participants with basic information in preparation for the move to the Application phase and can be provided either online or via shared information. The Application phase provides the foundation for achieving smart training objectives. It is characterized by an interactive environment that is supported by quality management models, hands-on tools and techniques, simulation, case studies, video presentations, and experiential learning, among others.
The Advisory phase is the final stage which provides support and guidance to participants through virtual means for sustainability and continuous improvement and which takes advantage of HBMSU’s vast online resources as well as support from regional and international team of Associates and subject matter experts and advisors.
The Pearson Global recognition in education is of high importance as it is an independent international index for measuring the quality of education and training programs offered by academic institutions and universities around the world. HBMSU achieved this prestigious international rating after undergoing a comprehensive evaluation process aimed at measuring organizational performance and determining the level of efficiency in managing education, training, testing and evaluation. The university achieved remarkable results and high points in the international index due to its excellent ability in applying the Life Long Learning model based on the latest smart innovations, as well as its success in training and developing teaching and administrative staff to keep pace with the rapid developments of the digital era.
The evaluation process was undertaken in accordance with quality objectives system and using the experience of Pearson Global in measuring the quality of education and learning.
All the training programs to be held during the second half of this year at HBMSU are now all recognized by UK-based Pearson, the world’s largest learning company. Pearson’s portfolio of approved programs includes several professional programs, the most important of which are the ‘Innovation Leadership in Governmental Sector’ program and diploma programs on ‘Smart Government Consultant,’ ‘7 Stars in Customer Service in Accordance with 4G Standards,’ and ‘Government Excellence (fourth generation).’
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Pearson, Emirates Aviation University Applaud New Rules Governing Vocational Qualifications

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”.