Edexcel International, the leading provider of educational services around the world, held a seminar for major local employers to showcase their expertise in customized training and qualifications for large corporations. The seminar was attended by human resource (HR) and training professionals from several industries in Dubai and across the UAE.
Mark Andrews, Edexcel International's Regional Director, MEA, explaining the benefits of accredited company training, said: "Staff training is viewed as a capital investment with thoughtful consideration to obtaining an acceptable return on the investment. Determining training and development needs is only the first step. Edexcel, through its international division, helps employers and trainers across 112 countries around the world to create the right programmes in customised packages. Edexcel's BTEC qualifications offer a standard that is internationally recognised.
"Our experience with companies in the region shows a growing interest from local employers to set higher standards." he added.
During the seminar, Andrews, who has worked in this sector for over 12 years, explained how a suitably tailored package can be the key to an internationally recognised employee training programme. Responsible for more than 300 partnerships in over 30 countries including BTEC vocational centres, Andrews has established key educational ties across the Middle East and Africa.
Guest speaker, Peter Scallan, Head of Technical Training and Education at Saudi Development & Training (BAe Systems), Saudi Arabia presented a case study demonstrating the effectiveness of Edexcel's programmes.
Scallan explained how the need for training arises with changes in personnel processes, technology or improvement in performance. Speaking at the seminar he said, "Companies need to develop competencies to ensure consistency in their standard of training thereby giving their workforce a better skills set and knowledge of the constantly changing industry. This will enable employees to gain globally recognised certification whose competencies have been measured and proved to meet the growing demand of skilled workers."
Demonstrating Edexcel's contribution to BAe Systems in Riyadh, Scallan said: "Using Edexcel's qualifications enables us to set independent, external and consistent performance standards. Edexcel is seen more as a partner than a supplier with their contribution to BAe."
With Edexcel's vocational training qualifications, employers and employees benefit from the on the job training and hands on experience.
As an awarding body, Edexcel designs qualifications for delivery through approved centres and can accredit custom designed qualifications exclusive to individual employers, colleges and universities. The courses can be designed completely by Edexcel or by the training centre to the Edexcel standard and framework. All the qualifications are benchmarked against UK quality standards. The flexible qualifications framework can be easily customised to suit employers and employees needs and under Edexcel's BTEC brand they are recognised internationally.
Edexcel International has worked with several corporations and government bodies in the Middle East. In the Oil and Gas sector they have partnered with Petroleum Development of Oman, MB Petroleum in Oman, Rahyaft Hamsoo Iran Transfo, and Kuwait Petroleum Corporation. Other governmental experience includes Saudi Development and Training (British Aerospace), Muscat Municipality and National Survey Authority, Oman.
Worldwide, companies such as Coca-Cola Enterprises Ltd, Corinthia Hotels, Srilankan Airlines and Shell are currently using Edexcel's BTEC training programmes.
With the rapid pace and international reach of the 21st century marketplace, continual learning is critical to a business's continued success. Employees are the principal business asset and therefore need to be invested in strategically. Edexcel and Edexcel International are the leader in this field around the world, helping millions of people reach their personal and professional goals.
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About Edexcel International
Edexcel is a Pearson company. It is the largest awarding body offering the widest portfolio of academic and vocational qualifications.
Its overseas division, Edexcel International, works with over 5,500 education partners across 112 countries offering qualifications which are globally recognised. Edexcel qualifications can be adapted to training providers and employers from any industry or sector. Regulated by the UK Qualifications and Curriculum Authority to offer qualifications, Edexcel's qualifications include GNVQs, NVQs, international GCSE, A/S and A levels, and the suite of BTEC qualifications including the BTEC Higher National Certificate and Diploma, and the BTEC Foundation Degree.
For information on Edexcel International in the GCC, please contact Ella Mayhew or Maria Da Silva, Memac Ogilvy PR on tel, 04 3050309 / 3050389 or email: ella.mayhew@ogilvy.com / maria.dasilva@ogilvy.com
For general Edexcel media information contact Stevie Pattison-Dick, Media Affairs Manager on 0044 207 190 5190 or email stevie.pattison-dick@edexcel.org.uk
© Press Release 2005