The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) will license technical and vocational education and training providers in Dubai through Qualifications and Awards (QAD), to give students better access to relevant education and supporting economic and social development.
In line with the targets outlined by the government to encourage skills development across the UAE, the establishment of QAD by the KHDA, will help training providers to offer standardised and benchmarked qualifications that meet industry requirements.
It will work closely with all stakeholders to ensure that relevant technical and vocational qualifications are offered across all sectors of the economy.
As an awarding body, QAD will work with relevant stakeholders to develop, award and issue national vocational qualifications based on national occupational skills standards. These qualifications are recognised by the National Qualification Authority and the Vocational Education and Training Awards Council throughout the UAE.
Dr Abdullah Al Karam, Director-General of KHDA, said: “Technical and vocation 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.”
Dr Naji Al Mahdi, Chief of Qualifications and Awards at KHDA, said that QAD will not only help recognise learners’ achievements, but also encourage the development of standardised qualifications, and enhance the value of technical and vocational education and training.
QAD will also regulate international awarding bodies operating in Dubai and issue statements of recognition for international qualifications offered in the emirate by UAE-recognised awarding bodies. It will also license instructors, assessors, internal verifiers and external verifiers within Dubai.
QAD will ensure quality of non-credit-bearing programmes offered by training centres in Dubai. This will provide third party assurance for the integrity of delivery and assessment of programmes.
Those who receive the licence will gain competencies for successful employment and progression to further and higher education, at both national and international levels. The initiative will also enhance the learners’ market value as future employees. Employers will be able to recruit people with the skills and abilities they need and offer them professional development programmes that are approved and quality assured.
