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A major industry review into health and safety qualifications in the UAE has called on the expertise of an IOSH branch to help with its development.
Members of the Institution’s UAE Branch are working with the Abu Dhabi Vocational Education and Training Institute (ADVETI) and the UAE National Qualifications Authority (NQA) on the development of the National EHS (environment, health and safety) Framework.
The review is examining the qualification framework, which ranges from a Level 3 certificate up to a Level 6 diploma.
Two branch meetings, one in Abu Dhabi and the other in Dubai, have provided members with the opportunity to take part in the review.
At the meetings, they were provided with an overview of the framework development and how it relates to others around the world before being asked to examine the occupational profiles for an environmental and occupational health inspector – developed from the International Standard Classification of Occupations – and how it relates to the role of safety officers in the UAE.
The profile included a brief occupational summary, activities and tasks performed, knowledge and skills as well as qualifications and education requirements related to that particular role.
Once the review is completed, the IOSH branch members have an opportunity to review and feedback on the resulting qualifications.
The qualifications will then be validated and sent for endorsement to the Vocational Education and Training Awards Council. The qualifications will be endorsed for a period of three years, after which another review process will take place.
Matt Jackson, the UAE Branch Events Coordinator, said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for members of our branch to give something back to the UAE, bringing their own experiences and adding input into what will be the UAE’s EHS qualifications; a little bit of history in the making for our branch.
“Being invited to take part demonstrates how well respected our branch, and IOSH as a whole, is.”
Siobhan Connelly, EHS Specialist at ADVETI, who attended the events, said:“ADVETI would like to give sincere thanks to IOSH and the UAE Branch members for their continued support of the National Qualification in EHS.
“Their input as respected industry specialists is key in ensuring a robust qualification that meets local industry needs and aligns with international bodies.”
Anne May, Vocational Qualifications Expert for NQA, who also attended, said: “The on-the ground knowledge of the members is invaluable to the National Development Committee, led by Siobhan Connelly, in their pursuit to develop high quality internationally-aligned local qualifications.”
