Education and vocational training is going to be the backbone of a knowledge-based society of the 21st century - investing in it means investing in the future. Education and research are of major importance for the German government. The budget of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research has reached an all-time high: It will be increased by 7.2 per cent to 11.65 billion euros in 2011.
The challenge of social and demographic changes makes highly competitive education systems even more a necessity. Policymakers and industry in the Arab countries have realized the significance of education and vocational training and are providing more funds for its development despite the repercussions felt due to the global economic and financial crisis. The quantitative as well as the qualitative upgrading of the education systems is on top of the agenda of most Gulf countries.
Germany's education system is regarded as highly competitive with German companies and institutions offering cutting-edge technology and high quality services for all kinds of education institutions and all levels of successful lifelong learning - from the early years to technical and vocational training to higher education. German industry enjoys an excellent reputation with its professional education based on the dual system.
Long-standing experience in the field of vocational education which is directly linked to market demands, a strong practical component and the integration of professional, social, and methodical competencies characterise the kind of know-how German partners can provide. Consequently, German enterprises are a reliable and professional partner to develop competitive education institutions. Fostering the cooperation between German companies and institutions of the education sector and Arab education institutions will bring mutual benefits for both partners.
For the first time, iMOVE presented German training providers and informed about "Training - Made in Germany" at the NAJAH exhibition in Abu Dhabi in booth 9C29 from October 19th to 21st, 2010. NAJAH is the leading annual exhibition that focuses on the education, training and career sectors in the United Arab Emirates. Under the patronage of H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and with the strong support of government bodies, NAJAH aims at educational institutes that are keen to enhance their student recruitment drive and companies seeking to meet qualified Emiratis and other talented graduates. Now in its fourth year, NAJAH has attracted over 11,000 visitors in 2009.
The following five German enterprises accompanied iMOVE to Abu Dhabi as partners at the joint trade fair stand at the NAJAH:
- Renewables Academy AG (RENAC) is one of the leading international providers of education and training in the fields of renewable energy and energy efficiency. Over the last two years, participants from 35 countries benefited from the company‘s expertise in technology, financing, management and market development of these key future industries.
- iVWA business academy specializes in international training and qualification projects at higher vocational and academic levels. The company provides competence development in the field of international business and cross-cultural management. In cooperation with partners, iVWA business academy manages technical education projects in the fields of renewable energy and energy efficiency.
- TÜV SÜD Middle East Academy is a subsidiary of TÜV SÜD Akademie - a renowned international training and personnel certification provider headquartered in Germany. The company offers extensive training and consulting in: driving instructors / examiners training and certification in cooperation with RTA; transportation, oil / gas, health / safety and heavy engineering.
- Gpdm specializes in providing training and consulting services abroad in cooperation with governments and private sector clients. Gpdm offers trainings for hotel, logistic, metal industries and furthermore programs for women education, occupational groups and internship programmes for students. The company's services are established in several countries through professional management and service.
- Leading Performance has been successfully supporting profit and non-profit organisations as well as governmental institutions and public administration with customized training and consulting. Solutions are developed in order to activate and use existing resources, potentials and abilities of the organisation. This process contains elements of consulting, coaching and training.