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Short courses to be recognised

Students undertaking technical or vocational course can seek recognition from KHDA.

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Dubai — More than 800 training centres in Dubai offering short courses will soon be able to offer nationally recognised certificates. Education regulator Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) announced on Tuesday a new quality assurance programme aimed at training institutes and vocational education providers.

Students undertaking any technical or vocational course will be able to seek recognition from KHDA, ensuring greater acceptance from employers. Dr Abdulla Al Karam, Director-General of KHDA said the rules were aimed at helping students earn the right credentials which were recognised across the UAE.

“Technical and vocational education students in Dubai want to know that their qualifications will set them on the right course to start a fulfilling career. Employers want to know that graduates have earned credentials that are quality assured. The fact that KHDA will be awarding all technical and vocational education qualifications in Dubai will give graduates and employers the peace of mind that these qualifications will be recognised in the public and private sectors across the UAE.”

The move will help training providers offer standardised and benchmarked qualifications that meet industry requirements.

Speaking with Khaleej Times, Dr Naji Al Mahdi, Chief of Qualifications and Awards at KHDA said: “There have been many training centres which make claims about education offerings without any quality assurance. The new rules will be a powerful tool for both students and employers who can rely on the KHDA assurance to know if their certificate is recognised.”

Any centre interested in quality assurance for its courses will have to submit the programme to the regulator, which will then review it.

 A benchmark

“Our team will review the teaching material and qualifications of teaching faculty to ensure the courses meet a minimum quality requirement in accordance with the benchmark,” he added.

The qualifications will also be recognised by the National Qualification Authority (NQA) and the Vocational Education and Training Awards Council (VETAC) throughout the UAE.

“As Dubai continues to grow and develop, there will be a greater demand for vocational qualifications and training. By offering accredited qualifications we prepare our students for the job market, and support the economic and social development of Dubai,” said Dr Naji.

The agency will also regulate international awarding bodies operating in Dubai and issue statements of recognition for international qualifications offered in Dubai.

muaz@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE