As part of BEEAH, the UAE-based environmental services and sustainability pioneer, IEMS Academy delivers combined training and development programmes to upskill businesses and professionals for current and future demands, especially in the environment and sustainability spheres.

The UK-based NOCN is a highly regarded leader in vocational skills development and apprenticeships, and an international Awarding Organisation and End Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) that provides quality education.

Commenting on the NOCN Centre approval and co-branded qualifications, Sami Handley, Director at IEMS Academy, said: “The IEMS Academy is passionate about providing world-class training and development programmes and qualifications that will prepare businesses and individuals for jobs of the future. Our vision also includes developing qualification pathways for young students, equipping them with the tools and resources to facilitate their entry into renowned universities and complete their Bachelor and Master degrees. We are proud to support the UAE’s vision for a future-ready workforce that will drive a knowledge-based economy.”

Tim Dawkins, Business Development Manager ASEAN at NOCN Centre added: “As a UK-based education and skills charity, established in 1987, we have a long history of helping jobseekers to secure sustainable employment and develop themselves by collaborating with employers, training providers and individuals. We are delighted to partner with IEMS to help them with their admirable target of providing cutting-edge learning and development opportunities at all levels. These types of collaborations are the key to shared prosperity and sustainable development.”

The IEMS Award Principles of Waste and Resource Management qualification will provide an overview of waste and resource management, including how to work safely in the industry, along with knowledge of the circular economy. It will address the need for sustainability in the sector, and share an understanding of the legislation that ensures environmental protection. It will also ensure that the individuals operate in a safe environment using equipment and vehicles and underscore the importance of working in a team and communicating with others.

Throughout the qualification, the learner will be assessed through assignments and activities. Final assessment is comprised of an online test that will generate random questions covering the breadth of learning outcomes. The pass rate is set at 70 percent.

The Level One programme is suitable for first-line, experienced and specialist operatives, waste producers and back office staff. Additional qualifications are expected to be added in future for more advanced professionals, or graduates of the first module.

IEMS Academy was established with the aim of moving the UAE closer to its goal for sustainable development, as part of the government’s vision to develop a knowledge-based economy. The Academy sits under the Bee’ah’s Consultancy, Research & Innovation (CRI) division, which offers consultancy and environmental studies to private and public sector clients, leveraging on the company’s expertise in the environmental and sustainability field.

IEMS courses range from vocational to recognised, accredited, industry-specific qualifications within the environment and waste sectors. Several of its operational programmes have been internationally recognised and awarded for providing best-in-class training withing the environmental and resource sectors.