Move will boost vocational education through stress on human skills
Tripoli, Lebanon, Dubai, UAE, 12th February 2012: Edexcel, the leading provider of internationally recognized academic and professional qualifications has approved Azm Technical Institute, a leading teaching institution based in Tripoli, Lebanon, as the first Edexcel BTEC centre in Lebanon, following an agreement signed by Dr. Abdul-ilah Mikati, Director of Azm Educational Campus (AEC), Azm Technical Institute and Matt Clarke, Regional Business Manager, Middle East, North Africa & Turkey, Edexcel.
Dr. Mikati said: "This is an important step in moving vocational education forward in Lebanon to meet the huge demand for such careers. It will go a long way in grooming our students for the future by equipping them with the right career tools needed in the new economy."
Clarke added: "Azm Technical Institute has recently been approved as a BTEC Centre to deliver the Edexcel BTEC. It thus becomes the first school in Lebanon to start a BTEC program which will definitely boost vocational education in a country heavily dependent on human skills."
Edexcel's exclusive BTEC qualifications provide a practical, real-world approach to learning alongside a theoretical background. They are designed both to replicate the professional working environment and provide learners with the skills, knowledge and behaviours they need to succeed in the current job market. Various opportunities for higher education are available for BTEC holders in North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Australasia.
Edexcel is the largest awarding board for academic and vocational qualifications in the UK. Edexcel's qualifications are recognised by most of the reputable universities in the world.
Clarke added: "The region's education system is working to support the rising demand for skill sets and this is one of the most effective ways of doing so. Moreover, employability of students is a big challenge, if not accompanied with practical skills and knowledge."
The focus of Edexcel's BTEC qualifications is on "learning by doing." This program aims to provide learners with employability skills and transferable skills, such as problem solving skills, the ability to plan and schedule work, the ability to work as part of a team and the ability to multi-task on different projects.
Dr. Mikati added: "Being a leading school in Lebanon that puts high standards a top priority, Azm Technical Institute is very keen to leverage this partnership to secure a better future for our students. The program will enhance the technical and creative potential of the students at Azm Technical Institute. Thus students will be fully equipped with knowledge as well as on hand practical experience which will enable them to join the industry and excel."
Edexcel is the UK's largest awarding body offering academic and vocational qualifications and testing to schools, colleges, employers and other places of learning in the UK and internationally.
Edexcel's general qualifications offered worldwide include GCSEs, IGCSEs, and GCE AS and A Levels, while vocational qualifications include NVQ and BTEC from entry level to higher national diplomas. Each year, over 4 million learners enroll for an Edexcel qualification in more than 85 countries.
In addition to university recognition, 85 professional organisations such as the Chartered Institute of Marketing and Association of Chartered Certified Accountants grant exemption for their own professional qualifications for holders of the relevant BTEC qualifications.
Dr. Mikati added: "Azm Technical Institute is renowned for its academic excellence and commitment to delivering professionally relevant programmes. Our goal is to prepare students for the workplace by meeting employers' needs or higher education requirements. This is where the alliance with Edexcel fits in."
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© Press Release 2012
