GCAA Secures Accreditation From National Qualifications Centre For Aviation Vocational Qualifications

The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), in collaboration with the National Qualifications Centre (NQC) at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR), is working on a project to create specialised vocational qualifications for the aviation industry. This initiative aims to have these qualifications recognised as national vocational qualifications, aligning them with the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).

In 2022, the NQC accredited the GCAA as an awarding body for aviation sector qualifications. This accreditation enhances its role in developing national vocational qualifications according to NQF standards. The project allows pilot licenses, aviation engineers, and certified air traffic controllers to have their licenses recognised as national vocational qualifications.

This initiative seeks to improve the skills of national workers, boost their competitiveness in the job market, and expand professional development opportunities within the sector. Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the GCAA, stated, "This project reflects our deep belief that practical experience and professional skills deserve academic recognition, as this directly empowers individuals to continue their educational and professional paths."

Al Suwaidi also noted that aligning training programs with academic standards enhances sector competitiveness and supports sustainable growth. He expressed appreciation for the cooperation of the National Qualifications Center in achieving this project.

Taif Mohamed Alamiri, Acting Assistant Under-Secretary for Higher Education Regulation and Governance at MoHESR, highlighted MoHESR's commitment to empowering national entities. He said, "At MoHESR, we are keen to empower national entities to develop and recognise specialised vocational qualifications that accurately reflect sectoral needs and practical training requirements."

Aqeel Al Zarouni, Assistant Director-General for Aviation Safety Affairs at GCAA, explained that this project was executed with high technical and regulatory standards. It involved collaboration with training institutions, operators, and regulatory authorities to ensure reliable equivalency and integration within the aviation sector's qualification system.

Building Bridges for Continuous Learning

Al Zarouni added that accrediting specialised training programs in aviation creates pathways for continuous learning and professional growth. He stated that transforming technical experience from licenses into academic development foundations allows individuals to build on current skills while pursuing higher knowledge levels.

This approach supports developing professional pathways while ensuring continuous advancement in aviation through committed cadres focused on technical excellence and lifelong learning.

Aligning Vocational Qualifications with NQF Levels

Yousef Ghanem Al Shehhi, Acting Director of NQC at MoHESR, emphasised that these accredited national vocational qualifications align with NQF levels. He added, "This step embodies the pivotal role of technical and vocational education and training as a key pathway for preparing national talents and refining their practical skills to meet the needs of this strategic sector."

The project's first phase has been completed by aligning pilot licenses for airplanes, air traffic controllers, and aircraft maintenance engineers. Efforts are ongoing to align commercial helicopter pilot licenses and other licenses further strengthening structured professional pathways in this vital sector.

With inputs from WAM