The Zayed Higher Organisation, ZHO, and the Abu Dhabi Vocational Education and Training Institute, ADVETI, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, for the first diploma course in the Middle East, Arabic-speaking region, for the profession of a vocational trainer for people with special educational needs.

This course, in co-operation with ZHO and ADVETI, puts the educational sector of the UAE in a leading position in the development of new highly needed professions that are tailor-made for the needs of the country.

The MoU was signed by Dr. Abdulrahman Jassim Al Hammadi, Managing Director of ADVETI, and Abdullah Al Humaidan, Acting Secretary-General of ZHO.

The diploma course will be a national qualification and will set standards for the vocational training of people of determination. The target of ZHO is to lead inclusion in the employment sector for people of determination and offer support services to ensure the employability of graduate students of ZHO.

Under the terms of the agreement, ADVETI will develop a diploma certification course for ZHO staff, and will also collaborate on curriculum development and verification.

Dr. Al Hammadi said the agreement was another example of the strong and long-standing relationship between ADVETI and ZHO.

''ADVETI prides itself on vocational educational practices and being at the forefront of new developments, practices and technologies, particularly in the areas of vocational training and education. Hence, this agreement with the ZHO will help our students to learn more about ZHO,'' Dr. Abdulrahman said.

He further added that the emphasis on the strategic partnerships with industry will strengthen the institutions, and provide skilled national vocational students who can perform to the highest level of productivity. Supporting young national students to develop and advance their careers is a key focus for ADVETI, and by working closely with our industry partners, such as ZHO through these vital initiatives, we are contributing to the growth of our nation by providing a well-trained and capable vocational workforce.

Commenting on the signing of the agreement with ADVETI, Al Humaidan expressed his delight to have this MoU signed and be the pioneer in launching this diploma programme as this agreement reinforces ''our solid commitment'' to developing the skills of Emirati staff.

''We are pleased to be working with ADVETI on this important initiative, by which it has taken a major step forward in providing an initiative that seeks to up-skill young UAE nationals,'' he added.