A commitment to vocational training at Sharjah Institute of Technology with a lasting partnership with British Colleges

On Wednesday June 1, Sharjah Institute of Technology, Pembrokeshire College and Coleg Gwent launched the PSG International Consortium, a business initiative between the three colleges. Brought together in 2009 by the British Council�s Skills for Employability Project, the three colleges have now formalised an on-going working relationship.

The three institutions have been working together to deliver industry-relevant vocational training programmes that have nationally and globally recognised qualifications.

The key objective of the partnership is to provide high-level, vocational training for the students that prepare them for the job market in both the private and government sectors. This will be achieved through developing a relationship between employers and the colleges, to ensure that relevant yet responsible and flexible, market-driven curriculums are taught to the students. This is the key component that will make this educational opportunity a unique and modern solution to the question of preparing young people for the workplace.

Abdulla Al Owaid, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry Board Member and Chairman of SIT Executive Committee says: "Education has to change because the work environment in this region is changing rapidly, particularly in technological development. The business sector needs people who are ready to work, with technical skills as well as management, communication and team work skills. Without these skills they will not be ready to be part of the future challenges. It is very important that we enhance and upgrade the skills of the next generation of employees and adequately meet the needs of the local labour market in the region."

Pembrokeshire College, Coleg Gwent and Sharjah Institute of Technology are all training students for the same industries: oil, gas and energy and the associated supply chain of construction engineering businesses as well as tourism and hospitality. This common ground is the foundation for a successful partnership, according to Glyn Jones, Principal of Pembrokeshire College. "With all of these areas of common interest, I have great confidence that the PSG Pembrokeshire Sharjah Gwent partnership project will be successful,� he says. "We have already enjoyed some successful outcomes, the last two years have seen the three colleges work together with the support of the British Council to deliver the �Skills for Employability� project."

Jim Bennett, Principal of Coleg Gwents, added: "Our strength as a consortium is our understanding of employer engagement and employer led training initiatives, and together we can develop that strength more effectively than we could apart."