Latest news with #NationalQualificationsFramework

IOL News
4 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
SA makes history: First-ever green hydrogen qualifications approved
The development of these qualifications stems directly from CHIETA's Vision 2025, which was launched in 2021 and identified green hydrogen as a strategic focus area to drive South Africa's energy transition. Vision 2025 recognised the transformative potential of green hydrogen in powering inclusive industrial growth, supporting decarbonisation, and promoting sustainability. These programmes are the first of their kind in the country, developed to equip learners with critical technical and operational skills needed in the green hydrogen value chain from production and storage to transportation and technology innovation. On 30 April 2025, the QCTO formally approved three new National Qualifications Framework (NQF): Level 4 programmes: The Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA) is proud to announce the approval of South Africa's first-ever green hydrogen skills programmes by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO). This marks a major leap forward in building the country's capacity for a sustainable and inclusive energy future. CEO of CHIETA, Yershen Pillay said the green hydrogen economy is not a distant dream, it is unfolding now 'Vision 2025 marked a turning point for CHIETA as we committed to leading skills development for the emerging green economy. This wasn't just about creating Qualifications, it was about future-proofing our workforce and ensuring no one is left behind in the energy transition,' said CHIETA CEO, Yershen Pillay. Following the strategic direction outlined in Vision 2025, CHIETA initiated the development of these programmes in close collaboration with industry leaders, training providers, technical experts, and government stakeholders. The result: three nationally recognised qualifications designed to meet the real demands of a fast-evolving green hydrogen sector. Why Green Hydrogen? Why Now? Green hydrogen produced through the electrolysis of water using renewable energy has emerged globally as a game-changing clean energy source. In South Africa, it is seen as a catalyst for industrial growth, export potential, and decarbonisation. South Africa's rich renewable energy resources and strong chemical industry base place it in a unique position to lead the continent's green hydrogen revolution. However, without the right skills in place, this opportunity could be lost. 'These programmes ensure we don't just talk about a just energy transition, we deliver it. We're building the technical pipeline needed to support a green economy, while opening up career opportunities for youth, artisans, and operators across multiple industries,' said Pillay. The three QCTO-approved qualifications will prepare learners for a range of roles in green hydrogen production, storage, transport, and technology. Learners will be equipped to: Operate and maintain hydrogen production and storage equipment Coordinate technical activities and logistics Monitor environmental impacts and performance of hydrogen technologies Understand safety, regulatory, and industry standards Graduates will be ready for roles such as operators, artisans, maintenance technicians, and logistics professional across energy, transport, manufacturing, and chemical sectors. With QCTO approval secured, Skills Development Providers (SDPs) can now apply for programme accreditation. Once accredited, SDPs can begin offering the programmes, with CHIETA providing strategic guidance and support. CHIETA is also embarking on a national awareness campaign to promote uptake, build training infrastructure, and ensure access across provinces. The goal: create a strong, inclusive workforce ready to support South Africa's green hydrogen ambitions. The green hydrogen economy is not a distant dream it is unfolding now. These CHIETA-led programmes represent a decisive step toward a cleaner, more equitable energy future, rooted in skills development, sector transformation, and national progress.


Qatar Tribune
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
Minister congratulates Community College on receiving five-year institutional accreditation
DOHA: Minister of Education and Higher Education HE Lolwah bint Rashid Al Khater has congratulated the Community College of Qatar on receiving institutional accreditation. The minister wrote on the X platform: "We congratulate the Community College of Qatar on receiving its five-year institutional accreditation, making it the first higher education institution in the country to receive this national accreditation. This is the first outcome of the National Commission for Qualifications and Academic Accreditation (NCQA), established in 2022 by a Cabinet decision. The NCQA is responsible for regulating the academic accreditation process for institutions and programs and managing the National Qualifications Framework, in accordance with the best international standards and practices. I take this opportunity to thank all members and affiliates of the committee for your outstanding efforts." This achievement represents a pivotal milestone in the development of higher education in the State of Qatar and embodies actual progress in achieving one of the goals of the Third National Development Strategy, which aims to enhance the quality of education and ensure its efficiency and outcomes, the minister said in her post. "We commend the accreditation process, which was characterised by positive interaction and high transparency, and we wish the rest of the higher education institutions success in completing their institutional accreditation process," she added.


Hi Dubai
27-05-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
UAE Launches Digital System to Verify Academic Qualifications for Employment
The UAE has unveiled a new digital system to verify academic qualifications, aiming to streamline employment procedures and enhance labour market integrity. Launched by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) in partnership with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR), the initiative marks a significant step in the country's push toward a fully integrated digital employment ecosystem. The Academic Qualification Verification Project allows private sector employers to verify academic credentials — whether issued locally or abroad — through MoHRE's digital platforms and service centres. The system supports skill levels 1 to 4 under the National Qualifications Framework and will eventually include UAE-issued degrees at a later stage. Officials say the project supports the UAE's broader digital transformation goals, reducing bureaucracy and improving service delivery across sectors. It also ensures the authenticity of qualifications, curbing fraudulent practices and enabling faster, more reliable hiring processes. Khalil Al Khoori, Undersecretary for Labour Market and Emiratisation Operations at MoHRE, said the system reinforces the UAE's efforts to attract global talent and boost its competitive edge in the employment sector. He noted that embedding the verification process within work permit procedures strengthens regulatory oversight and service efficiency. Dr. Mohammad Al Mualla, Undersecretary of MoHESR, emphasized that the initiative aligns academic output with labour market needs, supporting the national strategy to build a knowledge-based economy. He added that the service contributes to the Zero Government Bureaucracy programme by delivering fast, customer-centric solutions. By digitising verification, the project reduces paperwork, enables unified processing with a one-time fee, and promotes stronger collaboration between government and private sector entities — all while enhancing the UAE's appeal as a global investment and employment hub. News Source: Emirates News Agency


See - Sada Elbalad
02-05-2025
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
BRICS countries to simplify process of validating degrees obtained abroad
SEENEWS Representatives from BRICS nations convened to strengthen cooperation on the mutual recognition of academic qualifications, aiming to simplify and streamline the process of validating degrees obtained abroad. This is reported by the official website of Brazil's Ministry of Education, according to BRICS TV. The discussions were held virtually and included delegations from Brazil, China, Egypt, Russia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates, with observers from Indonesia and Ethiopia also present. Organised by Brazil's Ministry of Education as part of the BRICS-Education activities, the two-day session focused on sharing national quality assurance mechanisms and exploring effective strategies for recognising foreign academic qualifications. The goal is to establish less bureaucratic, more accessible pathways for the revalidation of degrees across BRICS member states. China emphasised its adherence to the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Regional Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications in Higher Education and shared initiatives to distinguish between degrees obtained through in-person and distance learning modalities. South Africa proposed the use of digital tools to combat academic fraud and introduced its National Qualifications Framework, which supports universities in revalidation procedures. The virtual meeting concluded a series of three webinars coordinated by Brazil's Ministry of Education as part of its leadership of BRICS-Education activities. The programme will continue with meetings between universities and a ministerial meeting scheduled for 5 June 2025 in Brasilia. Text copied from read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia Lifestyle Pistachio and Raspberry Cheesecake Domes Recipe News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Videos & Features Bouchra Dahlab Crowned Miss Arab World 2025 .. Reem Ganzoury Wins Miss Arab Africa Title (VIDEO) Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple


Bahrain News Gazette
17-04-2025
- Business
- Bahrain News Gazette
BQA Signs MoU with Hong Kong Accreditation Council to Enhance Educational Cooperation
Manama: The Education and Training Quality Authority (BQA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications (HKCAAVQ), aiming to strengthen cooperation in academic and vocational programme reviews and support qualifications frameworks. According to Bahrain News Agency, Dr. Maryam Hasan Mustafa, Chief Executive of BQA, highlighted the continued advancement of Bahrain's education sector, supported by the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the continuous follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. She noted the Kingdom's commitment to ensuring the quality of academic and vocational programmes and fostering competitiveness among higher education and training institutions. The MoU outlines strategic cooperation between BQA and HKCAAVQ, focusing on the exchange of expertise, information sharing, and alignment of quality assurance practices. Dr. Maryam noted that the agreement is a key step in enhancing institutional performance and aligning qualifications with international benchmarks, supporting improved learning outcomes and institutional excellence. H. B. Chao, Executive Director of HKCAAVQ, emphasised that the agreement represents a milestone in bilateral collaboration, paving the way for strengthened quality assurance systems and mutual recognition of qualifications. He highlighted the partnership's role in expanding global recognition of qualifications, benefiting higher education and vocational sectors in both regions. The MoU will facilitate cooperation on developing flexible learning pathways and recognition of prior learning, broadening educational and training opportunities. It also supports international recognition of Bahrain's National Qualifications Framework and contributes to enhancing the Kingdom's competitiveness in the global education and training landscape.