Meet our Team of Experts
DR. RAHIM JASSIM
SENIOR ACCREDITATION CONSULTANT
& CLIENT LIAISON
Riyadh, KSA
After an exceptional academic and professional journey culminating in a PhD in Energy and Power Engineering from the University of London, UK, Dr. Rahim has distinguished himself as a leading educational figure in the fields of Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Engineering Management. His contributions span continents, having imparted his expertise in project management in New Zealand, and more notably, through professorial roles in mechanical engineering departments at colleges and universities of higher education in Saudi Arabia. In these roles, Dr. Rahim has played a pivotal part in shaping the academic landscape, mentoring students and junior faculty, and aligning engineering curricula with international best practices.
Dr. Rahim’s tenure in Saudi Arabia has also seen him assume significant academic leadership responsibilities, including the oversight of engineering departments and the strategic advancement of institutional quality. At a prominent higher education institution, he led efforts to secure and maintain academic accreditation, aligning programs with national and international standards such as those outlined by the Saudi National Center for Academic Accreditation and Assessment (NCAAA) and other international accrediting bodies, such as ABET (USA). His deep understanding of accreditation frameworks has been instrumental in guiding departments through rigorous self-evaluation processes, preparing documentation for external review, and ensuring continuous program improvement to meet global benchmarks in higher education.
In addition to his academic leadership, Dr. Rahim has contributed substantially to plant engineering and facility management initiatives, ensuring that institutional infrastructure supports the delivery of high-quality technical and engineering education. His strategic involvement in project management has extended to the planning and execution of infrastructure projects that directly support academic delivery and accreditation readiness.
Widely recognized for his contributions to both academia and industry, Dr. Rahim is a member of several esteemed professional bodies, including the Institute of Professional Engineers New Zealand, the Institute of Refrigeration, Heating & Air Conditioning Engineers in NZ, and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. He is also a licensed professional engineer with Engineers Australia and has held recognition with the Saudi Council of Engineers since 2012. These affiliations underscore his commitment to professional excellence and ensure his work remains at the forefront of global engineering education standards.
After earning a degree in Electrical and Electronic Communication from university in South Africa, along with an honors degree in Learner Support, Jan began his career in education at several esteemed technical colleges across South Africa. His strong foundation in both engineering and pedagogy provided a unique platform for his transition to international education, where he moved to Saudi Arabia to serve as a technical instructor. This international experience broadened his professional outlook and deepened his understanding of diverse educational systems and learner needs.
Over time, Jan has increasingly focused his expertise on curriculum development, assessment and instructional design. He has developed specialist skills in creating comprehensive study plans, structuring technical programs, and aligning educational content with both industry standards and learner outcomes. His approach to curriculum design combines academic rigor with practical applicability, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for real-world technical environments. As a licensed professional technical engineer, Jan brings both theoretical knowledge and applied engineering experience to his educational practice, making him a valuable contributor to the advancement of high-quality technical training programs.
With many years in compliance roles across both educational institutions and industry, Laurie brings specialist expertise in ISO certification and accreditation processes. Educated at the University of Warwick, UK, Laurie has spent a significant portion of his career in the Middle East, working within the planning and development departments of the Royal Commission (KSA). His extensive international experience enhances his understanding of diverse compliance requirements and global best practices in the higher education and training sectors.
Laurie’s specialist certification and accreditation knowledge is focused on key ISO standards, including ISO 27001 (Information Security), ISO 22301 (Business Continuity), ISO 27701 (Privacy Information Management), and ISO 9001 (Quality Management). He is also highly experienced in navigating complex national systems for both academic and vocational institutions, such as Saudi Arabia’s MASAR and the National Center for Academic Accreditation and Assessment (NCAAA). In addition, Laurie has successfully supported institutions in meeting the rigorous standards of international accreditation agencies such as the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA), the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), and the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET).
Laurie’s collaboration with clients often centers on developing robust internal policies that align with accreditation and certification requirements. His work includes crafting institution-wide compliance frameworks, editing the narration of self-study reports to communicate institutional effectiveness and readiness, and establishing detailed reporting structures to meet accreditor expectations. He also guides clients through the technical and procedural aspects of online accreditation applications, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and alignment with strategic objectives. Laurie’s ability to bridge institutional goals with regulatory demands positions him as a key partner in securing and maintaining compliance and quality standards.
Mr. PIETER ERASMUS
SENIOR MANPOWER SUPPLY CONSULTANT
Dammam, KSA
Mr. JOHANNES BADENHOST
SENIOR TRAINING SERVICES CONSULTANT
Jeddah, KSA
Pieter has built a distinguished career dedicated to the training and development of young technicians, drawing on a strong foundation in mechanical technology. Trained in South Africa as a fitter and turner, and later as a maintenance fitter, Pieter combines deep technical knowledge with a passion for education. His commitment to vocational training has seen him spend over a decade in Saudi Arabia, where he has played a vital role in shaping technical education across a range of training institutions.
Throughout his career, Pieter has excelled not only as a technical trainer but also in academic leadership roles, where he has contributed to program planning, instructor development, and student success initiatives. His practical expertise, combined with his instructional skills, make him a natural mentor and role model within training environments. When called upon to support recruitment efforts, Pieter's comprehensive understanding of both the educational landscape and industry requirements allows him to identify and attract high-quality candidates. His background ensures that hiring decisions are both academically sound and operationally aligned with the institution’s goals.
Mr. JAN BUYS
SENIOR CURRICULUM DESIGN CONSULTANT
Johannesburg, SA
Rising through the ranks from a technical trainer to senior roles in academic management, Johannes has built an extensive and multifaceted career grounded in hands-on trade expertise and educational leadership. His technical background encompasses a wide range of disciplines, including welding, maintenance fitting, turning, mechanical technology, and quality control. This depth of experience allows Johannes to bring practical insight into curriculum development and training strategies that are directly aligned with industry requirements.
Johannes also possesses a deep understanding of adult learning principles and continuing education methodologies, with particular strength in train-the-trainer environments. He is passionate about empowering instructors to deliver effective, learner-centered training that meets both regulatory standards and workforce development goals. In addition to his foundation in traditional trades, Johannes has cultivated a strong interest in emerging and sustainable technologies. He is particularly drawn to the engineering and design complexities of desalination plants, wind turbine installations, and solar panel systems. This blend of traditional skills and forward-looking expertise positions Johannes as a key asset in programs focused on bridging classic academic and vocational training with modern technological advancements.
Mr. NICOLAS COETZEE
SENIOR TRAINING SERVICES CONSULTANT
Jeddah, KSA
With many years in academic management roles within training institutions, Nick brings a unique combination of hands-on technical expertise and strategic educational leadership. His professional journey began in the trades, where he worked as a licensed electrician and instrument mechanic before advancing into supervisory roles in both electrical and instrumentation disciplines, including serving as a hydro power station supervisor. This strong foundation in technical operations informs his approach to both training delivery and curriculum development.
In parallel with his leadership in academic environments, Nick has continued to build a successful career as a technical trainer. His instructional focus spans several high-demand areas, including high voltage regulation, SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) programming, PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) programming, and steam boiler maintenance. He is also highly engaged in the advancement of "Train the Trainer" methodologies, ensuring that instructors under his guidance are well-equipped with the pedagogical skills and industry knowledge needed to deliver impactful, standards-aligned training. Nick’s blend of operational know-how and educational insight makes him a vital contributor to any institution seeking to bridge technical workforce needs with quality training delivery.
Mr. LAURIE HOPPER
SENIOR ACCREDITATION CONSULTANT
London, UK