SIAS continues to expand its international footprint with the approval of Government College of Technology Kohat as the next SIAS Approved Centre in Pakistan, marking a further step forward in delivering future-focused technical education aligned to industry needs.
This milestone has been achieved in collaboration with GIZ Pakistan, whose ongoing support is instrumental in enhancing technical and vocational education across the country and enabling institutions to provide high-impact, industry-relevant learning opportunities.
Through this partnership, Government College of Technology Kohat will deliver SIAS accredited programmes, designed to equip learners with the practical expertise, technical knowledge and future-ready competencies required in today’s rapidly evolving engineering and industrial landscape. The programmes will also contribute to strengthening the local talent pipeline, supporting employers with skilled, work-ready individuals.
Steve Smith, Managing Director of SIAS, said: “Welcoming Government College of Technology Kohat as a SIAS Approved Centre reflects our commitment to powering the next generation of STEM talent and expanding access to high-quality, industry-aligned education. Through our partnership with GIZ Pakistan, we are working with forward-thinking institutions to create real opportunities for learners, drive sustainable skills development, and support long-term economic growth. This is about unlocking potential and enabling progress at scale.”
This approval reinforces SIAS’s role as a forward-thinking, globally engaged Awarding Organisation – working collaboratively with partners to break away from traditional models, deliver meaningful outcomes, and ensure learners are equipped to thrive in a fast-changing world.
To find out more about becoming a SIAS Approved Centre or delivering SIAS qualifications, please contact partnerships@siasuk.com.
SIAS Expands International Network with Approval of Government College of Technology Nowshera as SIAS Approved Centre May 21, 2026SIAS is proud to announce that Government College of Technology Nowshera has been approved as a SIAS Approved Centre, continuing the organisation’s strategic expansion across Pakistan and its commitment to delivering high‑quality, industry‑aligned technical education on a global scale.
This development has been supported through SIAS’s ongoing collaboration with GIZ Pakistan, whose partnership is playing a key role in strengthening technical and vocational education capacity across the country and enabling the delivery of high‑impact, industry‑relevant programmes.
Through this approval, Government College of Technology Nowshera will deliver a range of SIAS accredited programmes, equipping learners with the practical skills, knowledge and competencies required to succeed in evolving engineering and industrial sectors, while supporting employers with a pipeline of skilled, work‑ready talent.
Steve Smith, Managing Director of SIAS, said: “The approval of Government College of Technology Nowshera as a SIAS Approved Centre represents another important step in our international growth and our commitment to expanding access to high‑quality technical education. Working in partnership with GIZ Pakistan, we are enabling centres like GCT Nowshera to deliver internationally recognised, industry‑aligned programmes that create real opportunity for learners and support sustainable skills development at scale. This is about real opportunity, real progress and creating a lasting impact.”
This partnership reflects SIAS’s continued international growth, working with trusted partners across global markets to unlock potential, drive progress, and deliver meaningful outcomes for learners, employers and the wider economy.
To find out more about becoming a SIAS Approved Centre or delivering SIAS qualifications, please contact partnerships@siasuk.com.
SIAS Approves Government College of Technology Swat as New Approved Centre in Pakistan May 14, 2026SIAS is pleased to announce that Government College of Technology Swat has been approved as a SIAS Approved Centre, further strengthening SIAS’s international footprint and commitment to delivering high-quality, industry-aligned technical education worldwide.
This latest Centre partnership marks another important step in the growth of SIAS’s expanding network of Approved Training Providers across Pakistan, developed as part of an ongoing collaboration with GIZ Pakistan, whose continued support is helping to strengthen technical and vocational education capacity across the country.
As part of this approval, Government College of Technology Swat will deliver four SIAS Accredited programmes, enabling learners to develop practical skills and technical knowledge across key vocational and industrial disciplines.
This partnership represents an important step in expanding access to future-focused education in the region, equipping learners with the skills needed to succeed in rapidly evolving engineering and manufacturing environments, while supporting employers with a pipeline of skilled, work-ready talent.
Steve Smith, Managing Director of SIAS, said: “We are delighted to welcome Government College of Technology Swat as a new SIAS Approved Centre. Approval across four programmes is a strong endorsement of the college’s capability and commitment to delivering high-quality technical education. This is another significant milestone in our growing work in Pakistan, where, together with GIZ Pakistan, we are helping to expand access to internationally recognised, industry-aligned programmes and qualifications that support learner progression and economic development.”
Principal Engr. Israr Ahmad expressed his pleasure and gratitude on behalf of the team at Government College of Technology (GCT) Swat, KP-TEVTA. He stated “GCT Swat is one of the pioneer institutions in technical and vocational education in the region, committed to providing quality technical skills and education in various disciplines to contribute towards the development of Pakistan and the global economy. This partnership with SIAS will further strengthen our efforts to explore new opportunities and deliver skills and education in accordance with international standards.
We believe this collaboration with SIAS and the continued support of GIZ Pakistan will open new pathways for learners and contribute significantly to the advancement of technical education and workforce development in the country. GCT Swat remains committed to continuing this journey of excellence and success together with SIAS and GIZ Pakistan.”
To find out more about becoming a SIAS Approved Centre or learn more about SIAS qualifications, please contact partnerships@siasuk.com.
SIAS enters Nigeria with Digital Manufacturing Makerspace (DMM) Nigeria Limited becoming a SIAS Approved Centre May 6, 2026SIAS is proud to announce that Digital Manufacturing Makerspace (DMM) Nigeria Limited has been officially approved as a SIAS Approved Centre, marking a major international milestone for the organisation and a significant moment for skills development across Africa’s engineering and manufacturing sectors.
This approval sees DMM Nigeria become the first approved SIAS centre in Nigeria, representing a landmark step in SIAS’s global growth and its mission to power future‑focused STEM skills where they are needed most. The approval enables DMM Nigeria to deliver regulated SIAS qualifications that are aligned with real‑world industry needs in engineering and manufacturing.
As a forward‑thinking organisation at the heart of Nigeria’s growing innovation ecosystem, DMM Nigeria is uniquely positioned to support the development of a highly skilled, future‑ready workforce. Its focus on digital manufacturing and applied technology aligns closely with SIAS’s commitment to expanding access to high‑quality, regulated qualifications beyond the UK. This supports learners, employers and industries worldwide as they navigate rapid technological and industrial change.
Steve Smith, Managing Director of SIAS, said: “Approving Digital Manufacturing Makerspace Nigeria Limited as a SIAS Approved Centre is a hugely important moment for us. This is our first centre in Nigeria and a significant milestone in SIAS’s international journey. DMM Nigeria shares our forward‑thinking ethos and our belief that future skills must be practical, industry‑aligned and globally relevant. Through this partnership, we are proud to support the development of engineering and manufacturing capability in Nigeria and to extend the reach and impact of SIAS qualifications on an international stage.”
Samuel Abas, Director General at DMM Nigeria, said: “Across Nigeria’s rapidly evolving industrial landscape, the demand for globally recognised technical skills is substantial. Today, through our status as a SIAS Approved Centre, that vision is becoming a reality. This milestone advances our commitment to digital manufacturing, engineering excellence, and STEM workforce development. It aligns directly with Nigeria’s Science, Technology and Innovation policy priorities regarding human capital development, advanced manufacturing, and global competitiveness. Through this partnership, we are creating new opportunities for Nigerian learners, manufacturers, and engineers to access globally relevant qualifications and strengthen industrial excellence.”
Together, SIAS and DMM Nigeria will work collaboratively to open new pathways for learners and to help shape the future of engineering and manufacturing education in Nigeria and beyond.
For more information about becoming a SIAS Approved Centre or to learn more about SIAS awarding services, please contact partnerships@siasuk.com.
Expanding International Capability: SIAS Announces approval of ten new Training Centres Across Pakistan April 28, 2026
SIAS UK is accelerating its global skills mission with another major milestone – ten new SIAS approved centres across Pakistan are now operational or moving towards operational readiness. All ten Training Centres will be now delivering courses and programmes accredited by SIAS, providing quality assurance and certification to empower a more internationalised offer directly linked to workforce mobility across borders.
This exciting project was made possible through close collaboration between SIAS UK and GIZ Pakistan, supported by Team Europe’s TVET Sector Support Programme, and marks a bold leap forward in building international training capacity in Pakistan to strengthen global talent pipelines.
At SIAS, we understand how quickly industries evolve, and we work hard to match that pace with purpose. What we’re building in Pakistan goes beyond expansion, it reflects real momentum on the ground. It’s a shift in opportunity, a boost in capability, and a shared effort to help people develop the skills that modern STEM industries demand.
Asif Rasheed Malik, Technical Advisor Accreditation and Quality Assurance from GIZ Pakistan said: “Pakistan’s workforce is one of its greatest assets, with over 727,000 Pakistanis seeking employment abroad in 2024 alone and remittances reaching $34.6 billion, the economic stakes of skills recognition have never been higher. Yet globally, the absence of internationally accredited qualifications remains the single biggest barrier to workforce mobility, with employers in Saudi Arabia, Europe and beyond unable to accept Pakistani workers simply because local training lacks international recognition. SIAS Approved Centres are changing that equation through the accredited programmes!
“By anchoring Pakistan’s TVET institutions to world-class standards, we are not just raising the quality of skills available at home, we are unlocking a credible, verifiable pipeline that connects Pakistan’s young talent to global opportunity, turning brain drain into a strategic advantage.”
The First to Lead the Way
Our journey in Pakistan began with the Government Technical Teachers Training College (GTTTC), Hayatabad, also centre of excellence in Peshawar, the first institution to be approved as a SIAS Approved Centre. Since then, the network has continued to expand and now includes:
Government College of Technology (GCT) Kohat, GCT Nowshera and Government Polytechnic Institute Uthal are also becoming a SIAS Approved Centre imminently.
These centres are delivering future‑ready STEM qualifications aligned with real industry demand – empowering learners, strengthening local industries and unlocking global opportunity.
A Movement for Progress
Pakistan’s TVET landscape is evolving fast and SIAS is proud to be at the heart of this transformation. With the support of key stakeholders like GIZ Pakistan,, we’re building a world‑class skills ecosystem that drives innovation and opens doors for learners across borders.
Together with our partners and centres, we’re supporting a new generation of learners to take confident steps into the future. Together we are #AlwaysMovingForward.
To explore becoming a SIAS Approved Centre, please reach out to us at partnerships@siasuk.com.
SIAS reaches major international milestone with first SIAS Approved Centre in Bahrain – Madar Training Centre April 22, 2026SIAS has achieved a significant step in its global expansion with the approval of Madar Training Centre – the first SIAS Approved Centre in Bahrain. This milestone marks an important moment in strengthening SIAS’s international presence and supporting the development of future‑focused skills across the Middle East.
Through this approval, Madar Training Centre is now authorised to deliver world‑class SIAS qualifications, giving learners and employers across Bahrain access to industry‑led, globally aligned programmes that support innovation, technical excellence and workforce development.
Steve Smith, Managing Director of SIAS, said: “I am incredibly excited to welcome Madar Training Centre as our first Approved Centre in Bahrain. This is a huge moment for SIAS and a significant milestone in our international journey. Bahrain is rapidly establishing itself as a forward‑thinking destination for innovation, and partnering with Madar gives us the opportunity to deliver world‑class SIAS qualifications in a region full of energy and potential. We’re looking forward to the opportunities this will create for learners and the impact it will have on Bahrain’s future workforce.”
This milestone reflects SIAS’s commitment to expanding access to high‑quality, future‑focused qualifications globally, supporting international partners in developing the skills needed to innovate, grow and lead in an increasingly competitive global landscape.
For more information about SIAS qualifications, international partnerships or centre approval, please contact partnerships@siasuk.com.
New UK Qualifications Alliance Brings UK Awarding Expertise to the Global Stage April 21, 2026SIAS is proud to be a founding member of the UK Qualifications Alliance (UKQA), a new consortium of leading UK Awarding Bodies created to strengthen international access to trusted UK qualifications.
UKQA brings together SIAS, Innovate Awarding, VTCT Skills, SFJ Awards and EAL with a shared ambition to take the very best of UK qualifications and quality assurance to the global stage. The Alliance responds to growing global demand for credible, high‑quality skills solutions by offering a clearer, more joined‑up route for international partners to engage with the UK system.
UKQA has been purpose-built to:
Collectively spanning 30+ sectors, UKQA provides access to regulated qualifications and quality endorsement services through a single collaborative approach, reducing complexity while maximising impact.
Steve Smith, Managing Director of SIAS, said: “UKQA is about collaboration with purpose. It opens up access to the strength and credibility of UK qualifications for international partners, while delivering scalable outcomes for learners, employers, and industry.
More than that, it represents a shift for the awarding sector away from a traditional qualifications offer and towards a model that supports labour markets and enables global workforce mobility at scale. We are excited about the opportunities ahead ”
SIAS strengthens UK presence with first Scottish institution approved as a SIAS Approved Centre – a major milestone achieved with North East Scotland College April 13, 2026| North East Scotland College has officially been approved as a SIAS Approved Centre, becoming the first college in Scotland to achieve this significant milestone. This approval marks a major step forward for SIAS in expanding high‑quality, future‑focused accredited provision across the UK’s devolved nations.
North East Scotland College is now approved to deliver the SIAS Level 2 Award in the Introduction to Hydrogen Safety – an industry‑aligned, regulated qualification designed to equip learners with essential knowledge in one of the UK’s fastest‑growing energy and innovation sectors. Steve Smith, Managing Director of SIAS, said: “I am delighted to welcome North East Scotland College as our first SIAS Approved Centre in Scotland. This is a landmark moment for SIAS and a major step in our mission to support skills development across the UK. Their strong track record in technical and STEM education, combined with their close links to the region’s Energy Transition Zone, makes them the ideal partner to deliver the SIAS Level 2 Award in the Introduction to Hydrogen Safety. Their leadership in this space will help open new pathways for learners and strengthen Scotland’s position in the transition to a hydrogen‑powered future.” Iain Cocker, Business Development Manager at NESCol, said: “We take great pride in NESCol’s role as a driving force in Scotland’s journey to net zero, embracing low carbon technology and committed to ensuring a workforce equipped with the skills to harness great opportunities regionally, nationally and internationally. Becoming a SIAS Approved Centre underlines our ambition and is another positive step as we broaden our training offer. Hydrogen is a vital piece of the energy transition jigsaw and an area in which we anticipate growing demand, particularly through our delivery at the new Energy Transition Skills Hub. We look forward to continuing to work with SIAS to meet the needs of employers and individuals.” This milestone advances Scotland’s hydrogen ambitions through future‑focused training that opens vital pathways into clean energy, engineering and advanced technologies, delivering meaningful impact for learners, providers and industry across Scotland and beyond. For more information about SIAS awarding services or centre approvals, please contact partnerships@siasuk.com. |
| MTC Training has been officially approved as a SIAS Approved Centre, marking an important step in expanding high‑quality accredited training provision for employers across the UK.
As an Approved Centre, MTC Training will now deliver world‑class, quality‑assured accredited training provision aligned to SIAS’s rigorous standards. This partnership enables providers to access consistent, future‑focused training solutions designed to strengthen capability, support workforce development, and help organisations adapt to the demands of modern industry.
Steve Smith, Managing Director of SIAS, said: “MTC Training is widely recognised for its technical expertise and deep connections with industry, making them an outstanding organisation to support employers through high‑quality accredited training. Their commitment to excellence and innovation aligns perfectly with SIAS’s mission to move the sector forward. Collaborating with MTC Training strengthens our shared ambition to build a more agile, capable workforce ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow.”
Dave Lee, Quality Enhancement, Compliance and Systems Manager from MTC Training said: “Becoming a SIAS Approved Centre is a significant milestone for MTC Training and a testament to the strength of our partnership with SIAS. Their rigorous, forward‑thinking approach to quality assurance perfectly complements our technical expertise and industry focus. Together, we’re expanding access to accredited training that genuinely equips employers and learners with the skills demanded by modern industry.”
This milestone reflects a partnership built on shared ambition—combining SIAS’s forward‑thinking approach with MTC Training’s technical expertise to deliver accredited training that creates lasting impact for industry.
For more information about these qualifications or other SIAS services, please contact partnerships@siasuk.com.
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SIAS has launched a first‑to‑market flexible assessment model designed to give apprenticeship providers genuine choice, clarity and confidence as the sector navigates reform.
The new dual‑model approach, SIAS Flex and SIAS Core, harnesses the flexibilities introduced through apprenticeship reform to offer providers two distinct, future‑ready routes for delivering high‑quality assessment. Both models retain the trusted SIAS expertise, integrity and support that partners have come to rely on.
SIAS Flex is a provider‑led assessment model that enables providers to deliver on‑programme assessment within a robust SIAS framework. It offers reduced fees, greater agility and the reassurance of SIAS’s established quality assurance, standardisation and oversight.
SIAS Core is a SIAS‑led assessment model that allows providers to focus on exceptional training while SIAS delivers the full assessment service. By removing duplication, barriers and unnecessary bureaucracy, SIAS Core provides a streamlined, value‑for‑money approach that strengthens employer confidence through consistent, expert‑led assessment.
Steve Smith, Managing Director of SIAS, said: “Reform has created new flexibilities, and we’re using them to open up fresh and exciting opportunities for providers. SIAS Flex and SIAS Core gives the sector real choice for the first time – choice without complexity, and innovation without compromising quality. We’re proud to be leading the way with a model that is both future‑ready and grounded in the trust and integrity SIAS is known for.”
The launch marks a significant moment for the sector, positioning SIAS as the first organisation to offer a dual‑assessment model that responds directly to provider needs while maintaining the highest standards of quality and consistency.
Providers can now explore both models in detail and register their interest in upcoming visits and support sessions.
To find out more, please contact parternships@siasuk.com.