Abu dhabi: The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), in collaboration with the National Qualifications Centre (NQC) at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR), has embarked on a project aimed at developing specialised vocational qualifications within the aviation sector. This initiative intends to have these qualifications acknowledged as national vocational qualifications in alignment with the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
According to Emirates News Agency, the project facilitates the recognition of pilot licenses, aviation engineers, and certified air traffic controllers as national vocational qualifications. This effort is part of a broader strategy to enhance the competencies of national cadres, increase their competitiveness in the labor market, and expand professional development opportunities for employees in the sector. In 2022, the NQC accredited the GCAA as an awarding body for qualifications in the aviation sector, reinforcing its role in managing the development of national vocational qualifications aligned with NQF standards.
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. This step also contributes to enhancing the quality of outputs from accredited training institutions by aligning their programs with academic standards, thereby increasing sector competitiveness and supporting its sustainable growth and excellence. We also highly value the constructive cooperation of the National Qualifications Center in accomplishing this project."
Taif Mohamed Alamiri, Acting Assistant Under-Secretary for the Higher Education Regulation and Governance Sector at MoHESR, expressed the ministry's commitment to empowering national entities to develop and recognise specialised vocational qualifications that accurately reflect sectoral needs and practical training requirements. He noted that the accreditation of aviation qualifications represents a strategic step that reinforces vocational pathways as a parallel to academic ones, aligning with the country's priorities of building a knowledge-based economy driven by best competencies.
Aqeel Al Zarouni, Assistant Director-General for Aviation Safety Affairs at the GCAA, elaborated on the project's implementation according to the highest technical and regulatory standards, in cooperation with training institutions, operators, and regulatory authorities. This ensures the reliability of the equivalency and enhances the integration of the institutional qualification system in the aviation sector. He emphasized that accrediting specialized training programs in aviation forms a bridge for continuous learning and professional growth, transforming technical experience gained through licenses into a foundation for academic development.
Yousef Ghanem Al Shehhi, Acting Director of the National Qualifications Centre at MoHESR, highlighted that these accredited national vocational qualifications align with the levels of the National Qualifications Framework, showcasing the integration between specialised practical training and professional competence requirements in the aviation sector. He noted that this step underscores the crucial role of technical and vocational education and training in preparing national talents and refining their practical skills to meet the needs of this strategic sector.
The initial phase of the project, which covers the alignment of pilot licenses for airplanes, air traffic controllers, and aircraft maintenance engineers, has been completed. Efforts are currently underway to align commercial helicopter pilot licenses and other licenses, further strengthening structured professional pathways in this vital sector.