THE Institute of International Recognized Qualifications (IIRQ), which offers engineering courses through the City & Guilds of London Institute has released data that reflect average pass rates of 75 per cent.

According to the results of the 2015 sitting, 18 of the 22 students who sat principles of engineering technology in Kingston were successful, two registering distinction, eight with merit, and eight with pass. That reflects an 82 per cent average.

At the Green Pond location, 15 students sat the exam, 10 of whom were successful, reflecting a 67 per cent pass rate.

For the working in engineering exam, 18 of the 25 students who sat at the Kingston campus were successful, representing a 72 per cent pass rate; while at the Green Pond location, 13 of the 16 students who did the paper passed, representing an 81 per cent pass rate.

According to head of IIRQ in Jamaica, Professor Gossett Oliver, the entity’s quality assurance programmes are designed, monitored, and assessed by the City and Guilds of London Institute to reflect world-class standards.

“These vocational certifications are highly regarded qualifications, giving you the edge in today’s global workplace. Our student’s employability and career prospects have been key drivers in the selection and development of our courses. This is reflected, for example in the wide variety of City and Guilds courses we provide, from business to engineering,” he said.

Oliver said IIRQ’s courses are offered across three campuses, have flexible start dates, small class sizes, and affordable tuition. In addition, full-time students can enjoy a variety of athletic opportunities.

“In the classroom and beyond, IIRQ’s staff is devoted to our student’s success through a wealth of programmes and services such as career development and work placement, which will further enhance their employability prospects, as well as their experience of working in a business environment. Persons just need to get smart and earn for themselves an internationally recognised professional engineering qualification,” he continued.

The City and Guilds of London Institute has over 118 years of experience in developing assessment material, carrying out assessment, and training leaders. It awards certificates, diplomas, advanced diploma and full technological diplomas.

“Once a student is professionally registered by the professional body within the discipline this is the qualification that will take them across borders,” Oliver said.

Other programmes offered by IIRQ in Jamaica include international tourism, construction, food preparation and cooking, and business skills.

Temonie Gordon, a student registered with IIRQ through the Career Advancement Programme (CAP) said she has had valuable experience through the programme.

“It is good and I learnt from it. I did secretarial studies in school and here I did accounts and customer service that I didn’t know about before,” Gordon said.

IIRQ also has a Skyline campus, which is home to its culinary arts programme. The programme features a merger of the state-of-the-art kitchens with classrooms which allows for live demonstrations and lends itself to practical, personalised, hands-on attention.

IIRQ is also an approved examination centre. Its main office is located on the University of Technology, Jamaica campus.