ACTVET was established in 2010 under the directive of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, through Resolution No. 49/2010, is responsible to regulate technical and vocational education in Abu Dhabi.

ACTVET aims to regulate and enhance the technical and vocational education and training sector in Abu Dhabi to develop human resources capable of effectively contributing to sustainable development in the country. It oversees the Institute of Applied Technology and Abu Dhabi Vocational Education & Training to ensure the delivery of top tier accredited educational and training programs that provide professional qualifications aligned with current and future market demands.

The centre diligently strives to provide an environment that enables educational and training institutions to graduate Emirati professionals equipped with innovation and knowledge skills to engage in the job market, thereby enhancing the competitive capabilities of various economic sectors, in pursuit of Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030.

ACTVET oversees several entities that offer accredited educational and vocational training programs, ensuring they meet international standards and provides a platform for fostering lifelong learning and individual development, thereby enhancing educational and employment opportunities.

Implementing a robust licensing and Accreditation system will provide the public with confidence in TVET deliverables and contribute to increase Emirati participation in this sector. The standards provide a framework for the effective management and delivery of training and qualifications and considered as a quality assurance measure and a management tool for continuous improvement. The major purpose of introducing accreditation of TVET institutions is to uphold high standard of quality and expectation to the various stakeholders of the TVET system.

ACTVET organizes numerous regional and global events and initiatives in collaboration with both public and private sectors to enhance the quality of technical and vocational education and training in the country. The centre also offers comprehensive hands-on training in various TVET fields under the "Skills Hub" project, an initiative by the Abu Dhabi government, that focuses on nurturing the skills of Emirati youth, improving employment prospects in the private sector with competitive salaries.