Successfully providing Emiratis with practical career development

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, October 10th 2008 - HH Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan officially opened Abu Dhabi's Vocational Education and Training Institute (VETI) today.

Although, the institute opened to students in 2007, today's official opening ceremony allowed Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan to see for himself the significant progress the institute has made in becoming a centre of excellence for vocational education and training.

Talking on the official opening, Nizar Luqman, VETI's Executive Director said: "On behalf of all those connected with VETI Abu Dhabi I would like to extend my appreciation to HH Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan for officially opening the Institute today.

"Our first year has been incredibly successful and our courses have been incredibly well received by the students. We commenced operations in September 2007 with 326 students enrolled and within just a year, we have now 886 enrolled students. We look forward to building on this success at our next student intake, which is scheduled for February 2009."

Based on a highly successful Australian model, delivered by TAFE NSW, which has received national and international awards for its innovation, VETI's programs are specifically designed and developed to meet the business requirements of employers and the practical training needs of students.

The Institute's courses provide students with a blend of academic theory and practical training. They are introduced to real workplace environments throughout their courses, via industry forums, business visits, and by undertaking real workplace projects. In addition, Diploma students are also offered the opportunity to undertake six- months of work experience.

Talking on the increasingly important role that VETI- Abu Dhabi is having on the development of business training and employment opportunities for Emiratis, Institute Director, Gary Pollock said:

"In what is has become a rapidly changing world environment, VETI Abu Dhabi is giving Emirati nationals the practical skills needed for the world of business.

"Our focus is on creating and delivering highly skilled, competency-based training, which is developed in collaboration with industry partners and employer groups. This training develops graduates, which meet the needs and aspirations of the local community, businesses and industry."

VETI - Abu Dhabi offers full-time and part-time courses, up to Diploma level, and is open to Emiratis from school-aged leavers to mature students, people seeking to upgrade or develop specific skills training, or for those who are seeking an alternative educational pathway other than university.

VETI's staff are very experienced and many of them have considerable expertise both in teaching and in business. There is also a number of student support staff, which ensures that learning assistance is available to any student who requires it.

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About VETI Abu Dhabi
VETI-Abu Dhabi was formed in 2007 as a partnership between Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) and the largest Australian government vocational education provider -  the New South Wales Technical and Further Education Commission (known as TAFE NSW)  to prepare students for jobs in the growing local economy.

VETI-Abu Dhabi was commenced operations in September 2007 with 326 students enrolled. This represents 56% increase on the target of 400 students.

September 2008, VETI - Abu Dhabi had 560 new students enrol.

VETI - Abu Dhabi has established programs in the following key industries: Information Technology, Travel and Tourism Management, Design, Paralegal studies, Project Management, Finance, Property Development and Marketing.  www.veti.ac.ae

For more information, please contact:
Mariam Abonamah
Hill & Knowlton Abu Dhabi
Tel: +971 50 1493717
Email: Mariam.abonamah@hillandknowlton.com

© Press Release 2008