Workshop discusses work-based training and qualifications in the UAE

The workshop, conducted in Arabic, familiarised and informed the participants on the UK's experience of developing academic recognition for technical and vocational qualifications, the comparability of international and national qualifications and their use in education and training.

The morning workshop was followed by an afternoon session at which participants had the chance to discuss the practical value of UK vocational and professional qualifications with companies and professional organisations operating in the UAE.

Stephanie Evans, UAE Education Promotion Manager for the British Council, explained that the afternoon sessions offered the participants the chance to compare notes between their theoretical morning lectures and their applications.

"They met representatives of companies that are employing people who are holding UK qualifications to see how well they perform and the relevance of their degrees to the UAE job market, and the suitability of their studies to the market and to the needs of companies here."

The British Council workshop is being held as part of its contribution to the Education and Training Working Group of Dubai UK Trade & Economic Committee (DUKTEC) which is supported at the highest level by both the Dubai and UK Governments. DUKTEC, which seeks to promote trade and investment between Dubai and the UK and to provide a forum for discussion, comprises prominent and influential Emirati and British businessmen and businesswomen.