(QAD) to regulate TVET and to offer awarding body services
Through Qualifications and Awards in Dubai (QAD), the Knowledge and Human Development Authority will license Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) providers, and quality assure TVET qualifications in Dubai, giving students better access to relevant education and supporting economic and social development.
QAD is pioneering the evolution of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in the region. In line with the targets outlined by the government to encourage skills development across the UAE, the move will help training providers to offer standardised and benchmarked qualifications that meet industry requirements. QAD 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 (NQA) and the Vocational Education and Training Awards Council (VETAC) throughout the UAE.
Dr Abdulla 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.”
“QAD will not only help us to recognise learners’ achievements, but also encourages the development of standardised qualifications, and enhance the value of TVET,” said Dr Naji AlMahdi, Chief of Qualifications and Awards at KHDA. “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.”
Introduced to safeguard the quality of TVET in the region, 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. As part of its concerted effort to improve the quality of TVET, QAD will license instructors, assessors, internal verifiers and external verifiers within Dubai.
Quality assurance is paramount to QAD’s strategy. QAD will quality assure non-credit-bearing programmes offered by training centers in Dubai. This will provide third party assurance for the integrity of delivery and assessment of programmes.
“As the national regulator of awarding bodies in the UAE, the National Qualifications Authority (NQA) is confident that the range, quality and delivery of services offered by QAD will be world class,” said Dr Thani Al Mehairi, Director General of NQA. “This KHDA initiative will create a shared space for stakeholders who are committed to providing TVET learners in Dubai with the best possible learning experience. We want our graduates to be work ready and to identify themselves as lifelong learners. These outcomes are very much reflected in QAD’s vision.”
This newly launched initiative, will bolster the TVET sector and will enhance the outcome of TVET qualifications and training programmes significantly. TVET graduates will gain competencies for successful employment and progression to further and higher education, 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.
Representatives from KHDA will be available at the Gulf Education and Training Exhibition (GETEX) from 15th to 17th April to answer questions about discuss the functions of QAD.
- KHDA
