In a landmark achievement that strengthens Palestine’s presence on the international stage, the Hisham Hijjawi College of Technology at An-Najah National University has become the first Palestinian and Arab institution to join the prestigious European Forum for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (EfVET).

This milestone followed the participation of Mr. Alaa Darwish, Head of the Studies and Projects Department at the College, in the Artificial Intelligence in Education conference held in Brussels, where he met with EfVET representatives and explored avenues of collaboration. His proposal for the College’s membership was welcomed as a step toward expanding partnerships with European institutions, enhancing training opportunities, and fostering international cooperation.

EfVET is one of Europe’s leading organizations dedicated to advancing technical and vocational education and training (TVET). It brings together educational institutions, employers, and policymakers to improve program quality, align curricula with labor market needs, and contribute to economic and social development.

In recognition of the College’s pioneering role in vocational education, EfVET has waived the membership fee, ensuring that Hisham Hijjawi College can fully benefit from the opportunities and resources offered by the network without financial constraints.

Dr. Amer Massad, Dean of the College, emphasized that this membership represents a strategic step toward expanding the College’s international footprint and establishing collaborations with leading TVET institutions in Europe. He reaffirmed the College’s commitment to adopting global best practices in technical education, thereby enhancing the employability and competitiveness of its graduates in both local and international markets.

Dr. Massad further highlighted that this achievement was made possible through the continuous support of the College’s Board of Trustees and its commitment to strengthening international relations. He stressed that the College will continue to broaden its network of partnerships to fulfill its vision of delivering high-quality vocational education aligned with the latest global advancements.

By joining EfVET, the College will gain access to major European projects, opportunities for knowledge exchange with peer institutions, and advanced training programs for both students and staff. This step consolidates its position as a pioneering institution in vocational and technical education, not only in Palestine but also across the Arab region.