Dr Abdulnassir Al Tamimi, Associate Dean of Workforce Education and Community Development at the CCQ. (Kammutty VP)
By Fazeena Saleem
DOHA: The Community College Qatar (CCQ) is preparing to introduce a tailor-made media study programme for Qatari students to meet the needs of the industry.
Through the two-year Associate Applied Science Programme, students would gain competencies and hands-on skills required in the field, according to a senior official of the college.
“We are here to fill the gaps,” Dr Abdulnassir Al Tamimi, Associate Dean of Workforce Education and Community Development told The Peninsula yesterday.
Community College Qatar will meet the local media institutions to know the needs of the industry before deciding on the curriculum.
The two-year programme will also include two semesters of internship in media institutions. Qatari staff presently employed in media or Qatari students interested in journalism will be entitled to follow the new programme which is likely to start in 2014.
“At least 30 students in our college have shown an interest to follow the study programme and a media institution would send their employees,” said Dr Al Tamimi.
“When students complete the two-year programme, they can study for another one or two years in a university to complete a degree if they are interested,” he said while explaining the study programme.
Community College Qatar cater to the educational and training needs of the local community by providing students with opportunities and pathways for a bachelor's degree as well as developing two-year career programmes and short-term certificates that will enhance the skills of Qatari employees.
Besides the media study programme the CCQ is also preparing to introduce a number of other new associate of applied science programmes in collaboration with the Supreme Education Council, the Ministry of Interior and several other government entities
“An early childhood education programme will be introduced together with the Supreme Education Council and a Telecommunication Technology programme with the Ministry of Interior,” said Dr Al Tamimi. Community College Qatar recently introduced a two-year Customs Management programme together with the General Directorate of Customs. The programme has enrolled 40 sponsored customs employees and 20 more would join in next semester.
Also 60 percent of the students at the college are sponsored by a number of companies and government agencies.
“We have been fortunate in that most of our current partners have come through our relationship with them through the Sponsorship and Scholarship Department which also falls under this department’s umbrella,” said Dr Al Tamimi.
Inaugurated in 2010, the Community College Qatar has two composes with 950 students and another 600 are likely to join in 2013. The Peninsula
