15/04/2026
The Institute of Employability Professionals (IEP) and Maximus Gulf have announced the next phase of their strategic partnership with the launch of the IEP Certificate in Employability Practice. Fully translated into Arabic, the customised qualification has also been adapted to ensure cultural alignment and includes relevant regional case studies to enhance learning and practical application in Saudi Arabia. Developed in close collaboration between the two organisations, the programme will be delivered internally by Maximus Gulf as part of its ongoing investment in professional development, operating as a Satellite Centre of the IEP.
This development builds on strong foundations already established, with almost 300 Maximus Gulf practitioners currently undertaking the IEP Award in Employability Essentials. The Certificate in Employability Practice represents the next stage in this professional pathway, with an initial cohort of 20 learners now underway, followed by further intakes as part of a multi-year rollout.
The Certificate strengthens frontline capability by equipping practitioners with the skills, confidence and consistency to deliver high-quality, person-centred employability support. Translating the learning into Arabic and aligning it culturally represents a significant milestone for the Employability sector. It also reflects the strength of the partnership between Maximus Gulf and the IEP in making internationally recognised professional learning more accessible and relevant locally.
This investment in professional capability builds on the recent launch of the Saudi Arabia Centre for Delivering Employability Excellence in Practice — a Centre of Excellence created by Maximus Gulf and the IEP to advance evidence-based approaches, pilot innovation and embed best practice across the region. Together, the Centre and the workforce development programme demonstrate a long-term commitment to raising professional standards and improving employment outcomes.
Maha Alaseeri FIEP, Project Director at Maximus Gulf, said:
“I completed the Certificate in Employability Practice myself and the impact it had on my understanding of Employability practice – particularly in addressing the real barriers faced by beneficiaries in Saudi Arabia – was transformational.
What matters is the knowledge, skills and behaviours the qualification develops. By working with the IEP to translate this learning into Arabic and aligning it with local market needs, we are ensuring our teams can apply best practice confidently and consistently in their day-to-day work. This is about professionalising Employability practice in Saudi Arabia and investing in our people to deliver lasting impact.”
Scott Parkin FIEP FRSA, Group CEO at the Institute of Employability Professionals, said:
“Professional capability is the foundation of excellent Employability services. Our partnership with Maximus Gulf shows what’s possible when global standards are combined with deep local insight. Translating and contextualising the Certificate in Employability Practice into Arabic is a significant step forward for the profession, helping embed best practice in everyday delivery across Saudi Arabia.”
Over the coming years, the IEP and Maximus Gulf partnership will continue to support hundreds of practitioners through structured professional learning, strengthening workforce capability and reinforcing a shared commitment to quality, consistency and continuous improvement.
For more information contact learn@iemployability.org
About IEP
The Institute of Employability Professionals (IEP) is the global professional membership institute for the Employability sector, setting standards, delivering accredited learning and supporting practitioners and organisations to improve Employability practice and outcomes worldwide.
About Maximus Gulf
Maximus Gulf partners with governments across the region to deliver empowerment and workforce development programmes that strengthen individual outcomes, expand economic participation, and unlock long-term human capital potential.
About the Saudi Arabia Centre for Delivering Employability Excellence in Practice (CDEEP)
The Saudi Arabia Centre for Delivering Employability Excellence in Practice (CDEEP) is a joint initiative between Maximus Gulf and the IEP, established to advance evidence-based Employability practice, pilot innovation and embed best practice through collaboration, research and workforce development.