New Delhi, October 27, 2005: Edexcel International, the UK based leading innovative force behind academic and vocational qualifications worldwide, has entered into a strategic partnership with Air Hostess Academy (AHA) to introduce the internationally recognised, highly-rated BTEC Higher National Certificate (BTEC HNC) and Higher National Diploma (BTEC HND) in Service Industry. This partnership will provide BTEC qualifications and students of AHA will qualify for employment opportunities or seek higher education at top Universities worldwide.

The BTEC qualifications, offered in 112 countries, have international currency; students can transfer globally for vocational or university programmes around the world. It forms a succinct entry route into 2nd/3rd year of first degrees in most of the universities in the US, UK, Australia, and Canada among others.

Mr. Nick Sansome, Director, International Solutions, Edexcel International, said “Edexcel will convert existing syllabi of AHA into BTEC qualifications to facilitate delivery of the HNCs and HNDs at AHA’s Centres. The qualifications will assist students with level-4 vocational qualifications which will help in increasing employment potential internationally and in obtaining degree placements overseas.“

The qualifications will be quality controlled from UK and will be certified by Edexcel International in the UK.

Suggested quote for Mrs. Sapna Gupta, Chief Consultant, AHA Group said, “AHA will get an opportunity to globalise through this arrangement and students at AHA can get an opportunity to move up the value chain for attaining internationally recognized qualifications in India. This strategic partnership will go a long way to make AHA a hub for quality education.”

BTEC was formed in 1983 with the merger of TEC and BEC, and has taken the lead in the training of technicians and technologists. Since 1983 over 4.5 million students in the UK alone have enrolled on BTEC vocational programmes. BTEC syllabuses and qualifications are internationally accredited, recognised and respected by employers and educationalists alike. These qualifications equip students with the vital knowledge, skills and confidence to meet the challenges of work in a global market. The Higher National Diplomas are the flagship qualifications of Edexcel.

Edexcel is the leading innovative force in education and training in the UK with a wide range of vocational qualifications INCLUDING BTECs AND GCSE, AS and GCE examinations. These qualifications are taken in over 112 countries

For more information please visit the website:  http://www.edexcel.org.uk/international