Mark Andrews: "This step will allow Omani students to join various undergraduate programs in universities across the world"

Muscat, Oman, 29th August, 2011: Edexcel, the leading provider of internationally recognized academic and professional qualifications, has recently approved The National Institute (NHI), a leading Oman based provider of quality vocational training for the hospitality, travel and catering industries to provide BTEC.

Mark Andrews, Regional Director, Middle East/North Africa/Caribbean, Edexcel, said: "We are delighted that BTEC is becoming more popular in the GCC as an internationally recognized vocational qualification which make holders eligible for entry into various undergraduate programs in universities across the world."

"We are working with educations providers in the GCC to promote this qualification, and ensure that learners gain the qualities valued by employers," Andrews added.

Edexcel's exclusive BTEC qualifications provide a practical, real-world approach to learning, alongside 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 today's job market. Various opportunities for higher education are available for BTEC HND holders in North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Australasia.

Edexcel, a PEARSON company, is the UK largest awarding company offering academic and vocational qualifications and testing to schools, colleges, employers and other places of learning in the UK and internationally.

Andrews added: "This approval will strengthen the NHI's position as a provider of a suite of international qualifications to cater to the needs of schools leavers, existed workers and employers."

The program recently approved is the higher National Diploma (NHD) in Hospitality Management from Edexcel. This course will give students a broader understanding of the hospitality industry with a mixture of hands-on and theoretical training.

Edexcel offers academic and professional qualifications and testing to thousands of schools, colleges, employers and other places of learning globally, and has over 4 million learners enrolled on its highly regarded courses in more than 85 countries.

This new program will appeal to students of all nationalities who wish to pursue a career in the hospitality sector. Graduates of this programme will be able to upgrade from NHD to relevant degree programmes in the UK.

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© Press Release 2011