Syria is in the process of developing its occupational standards and qualifications, and has established 12 engineering maintenance categories and seven in the ready-made garment sector.

The qualifications and occupational standards for these specialist areas were developed in co-operation with the Ministry of Education and the EU in a vocational education and training (VET) programme that took place in Syria from 2005-2009.

The Ministry of Education has used the same methodology to continue this work to develop occupational standards and qualifications in other sectors.

By means of this process, the Syrian educational system has become more aware of the role of competency-based education and training systems, which are gradually being embedded throughout the VET system.