Outstanding students, tutors and colleges from 25 countries, including from the Middle East, saw their achievements recognized in the tenth annual BTEC awards ceremony, held online for the first time due to coronavirus.

Hosted by presenter of the United Stand, YouTube influencer and BTEC Ambassador, Flex, 17 category award winners were celebrated from the UAE and around the Middle East as well as internationally in subjects such as Health and Social Care, Performing Arts, Engineering, IT, Business and Sport.

Double Olympic Gold medalist Max Whitlock and architect, TV presenter and campaigner George Clarke were among those presenting awards. They were joined by journalist and TV presenter Steph McGovern who spoke about her passion for vocational education and the BTEC Awards.

Spanning across 21 categories, the BTEC Awards showcase the exceptional BTEC learners and teachers that have been nominated to win a Gold, Silver or Bronze BTEC Award. Accepted in over 200 universities worldwide, BTEC is a highly regarded, career-focused qualification, studied in over 60 countries.

The full list of Middle East winners is as below:

• BTEC Hospitality, Travel and Tourism Student of the YearSilver Winner – Callum Buckley
• BTEC Teacher of the Year (Schools only)Bronze Winner – Mehboob Choudhry
• BTEC IT and Computing Student of the YearBronze Winner – Burair Moosavi
• BTEC Business and Enterprise Student of the YearBronze Winner – Hawraa Abid

Cindy Rampersaud Senior Vice President BTEC and Apprenticeship, said: “This year I’ve been overwhelmed by the quality of BTEC Award nominations we received, and I am delighted to celebrate this year’s winners and the achievements of all learners who will be awarded a BTEC this year. Over the past few weeks and months, we’ve seen how the current pandemic has highlighted the critical role of key workers and individuals who are likely to have followed a vocational educational pathway such as BTEC. “

In the UAE, BTEC qualifications are available in sectors including applied science, art and design, business, childcare, construction, engineering, media, health and social care, hospitality, ICT, performing arts, public services, sport, travel and tourism.

Pearson has been delivering BTEC qualifications worldwide since 1984. They are highly practical and developed in consultation with employers and universities to prepare students for further education or work. These qualifications can open doors into rewarding careers or to a university degree. A recent study revealed that 90% of BTEC students are employed full-time after graduating.

Globally, nearly one million students studied towards a BTEC in the past year and with 784 approved BTEC centres in 60 countries, the skills-based qualifications are a vital route for those seeking employment or entering higher education.

In response to new careers emerging within industries and ongoing change, Pearson is continually adapting and innovating its BTEC curriculum and learning to ensure it is relevant for young people and adults – supporting progression and career aspirations throughout lives.

The recently launched BTEC qualification in esports, in partnership with the British Esports Association, is a major step forward in supporting the creation of long-term careers in the growing esports industry both in the UK and internationally. Esports are forecast grow by 20 percent in 2020 alone – reaching a value of $1.1bn and an audience nearly 500m people. In addition, Pearson's BTEC partnership with Liverpool Football Club, announced earlier this month, will enable learners in international markets to acquire the expertise, skills and knowledge required for careers in the rapidly expanding global sports sector.

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Education UAE | Edarabia | MENA FN | UAE News 24/7 | UAE News 4 U | Aalmeen News

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