Highly demanding, intense and extremely rewarding! EOD training at MAT Kosovo is one of the most effective learning experiences I ever had, with no parallel in terms of structure and qualified Instructors. The amount of hands-on training certainly contributed to the development of new skills, allowing students to become safer and more competent operators.

Dear MAT KOSOVO team, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude for your warm hospitality. I deeply appreciate the high-quality work your team is doing in addressing the critical threats posed by landmines and UXO (unexploded ordnance) in today’s world. As a Qaya Safety Solutions family, we remain committed to continuing our collaborative efforts in sharing expertise and advancing best practices in the field. Your team's invaluable experience is a crucial contribution to enhancing global safety and security. Thank you once again for your dedication and professionalism. I look forward to future opportunities for collaboration and further exchanges of knowledge.

I have had the privilege of expanding my knowledge of Humanitarian Demining work by attending the Explosive Ordnance Disposal IMAS EOD Level 3 at MAT Kosovo. What well-structured training and initiatives from the instructors! They ensured that we are well-prepared to carry out this vital work in a manner that always prioritises safety for me, my team members, and the community we are going to serve in the near future. I also want to take this opportunity to thank all MAT Kosovo staff for taking care of us. Thanks once again to all the instructors and supporting staff for making our training successful. George, Stu, and Harry, you surely took us to another level; keep up the exceptional work and continue shaping the minds of tomorrow's EOD Technicians. Definitely, I will come back for more courses here at MAT Kosovo, and I also recommend others to come to MAT Kosovo and gain this valuable knowledge.

I attended the IMAS level 3 course in May to build on prior knowledge learnt while serving in the Army. The course was delivered by outstanding instructors who are SMEs within their fields, their teaching styles catered to all students and nothing was too much for them. Great course and highly recommend anyone thinking of attending to do so.

Having gone through Field Operator/IMAS Level 1&2 EOD course conducted by MAT KOSOVO in Apr/May 2023, it was only natural to come back for the IMAS Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Level 3 Course.

The course conducted has honed my skillsets in situation awareness and trained myself for Technical Field Management in HMA. The Scenarios in the Spot Task are interesting, and tested students in management of Emergencies that they may face in real life.

I look forward to further my expertise in future classes.

I recently completed IMAS EOD Level 2 at MAT Kosovo and am sad to leave but I will 100% return to further my qualifications in this particular field. The instructors were brilliant every step of the way offering a wide variety of teaching techniques which was great, their knowledge is unbelievable and any question you asked they knew the answer. They came in on weekends just to help the students with course work or anything they were struggling on to make sure that everyone passed, they are a brilliant team of people and would recommend anyone who wants to further their qualifications in this field to come here.

The only word I have to describe the IMAS level 1&2 course I have just taken at MAT Kosovo is WOW. What an experience.  Our course Chief Instructor was very knowledgeable in the subjects he taught us. His enthusiasm kept the class on track on some tough days. He was always approachable if any of those on our course had difficulties and even came in on weekends if we asked for extra revision. Always very professional in all he did. The admin staff and catering team were always friendly and nothing was too much for any of them if we asked. The  Accommodation was very good, always cleaned and laundry was always done on the same day, you could not ask for anymore. I found all the staff very accommodating. The training support team always had time to talk to you. The General Manager was always checking on everyone in the group and got to know us all and our ways of banter between us all.  My overall experience wa8s, what an amazing thing the school does in teaching us all about the humanitarian side to EOD. I was advised to go here and I am so glad I took the advice, MAT Kosovo please keep on doing what you're doing.

I attended the MAT Kosovo EOD Level 2 course located in Peja, Kosovo from April-May 2024, having a military background and currently working in the industry. I made the decision to do my EOD Level 2 course. The first few days were overwhelming with information and wondering if I had made the right decision to attend. Having the particular CI as an Instructor and the way he taught us, made it easy and the knowledge I gained will certainly benefit me moving forward. I just want to express my gratitude to all the staff at MAT Kosovo, especially to the Instructors for their DEMs experience.  Thank you MAT Kosovo!

Enrolling in the EOD L3 course was one of the best decisions I've made for my career. The comprehensive curriculum, expert instructors, and hands-on training provided invaluable skills and knowledge essential for Explosive Ordnance Disposal operations. Whether it was learning about bomb detection techniques, render-safe procedures, or booby traps, every aspect of the course was meticulously designed to prepare us for real-world scenarios. I feel confident and capable in my ability to handle EOD tasks thanks to this exceptional program."

My journey at MAT Kosovo for humanitarian demining was nothing short of transformative. As someone with no prior EOD or military experience, I embarked on this endeavor with uncertainty. However, under the guidance of passionate and knowledgeable instructors, I quickly transitioned from 'zero to hero.' The depth and breadth of instruction surpassed my expectations, equipping me with invaluable skills and knowledge essential for the field. The facilities, meticulously maintained by the dedicated support staff, provided a conducive learning environment where I could thrive. Most importantly, MAT Kosovo not only honed my technical abilities but also instilled in me the confidence and leadership qualities necessary to excel as an EOD operator and team leader. Beyond professional growth, I forged lifelong friendships with like-minded individuals who share my commitment to humanitarian efforts. I am immensely grateful to MAT Kosovo for empowering me to make a meaningful difference in the world. This experience has undoubtedly shaped me into a confident and resilient individual, ready to tackle any challenge that comes my way.

I came to MAT Kosovo for the IMAS EOD Level 1 & 2 course in January of 2024. I had no prior experience with explosives or demining, and lacking any military background, I had my concerns that I would have difficulty participating in the course. Instead, I found that the instructors were accustomed to adjusting their teaching to students of varying levels of competence, and their years of experience and passion for the subject of humanitarian demining made it easier for novices like me to adjust. They made themselves available for questions and study materials when needed, making it easy to ask, and found different approaches to topics for diverse students.

The support staff were also excellent: accommodating special requests, and providing meals, laundry, and cleaning allowed us to focus on the course and materials. The facilities are comfortable and safe, and I had no concerns during my stay.

I am returning to a more desk-focused humanitarian job, where we are beginning to partner with UXO decontamination organizations and I am able to bring this knowledge and experience to my team in a practical, applicable way that helps us serve our beneficiaries better. I hope to begin to gain experience in non-technical surveys, and hopefully return to MAT Kosovo for Level 3 or Level 3+ to broaden my own horizons, as well as serving as a better link between national mine action authorities and humanitarian resources.

I attended the level 1 & 2 course in January. The initial communication with MAT Kosovo was excellent, straightforward and information Upon my arrival at the airport I was met by an instructor who was waiting to collect me and I was made to feel at ease from the moment we met. Being older than all of my course mates and having been out of a “learning environment” for many years I was nervous about my ability and suitability for the course however, I couldn’t have been more wrong and was both supported and encouraged throughout the course. There was never a time that any of the instructors were not willing to make themselves available if I, or any of my classmates, had any learning or training needs at all. All of the instructors have a huge amount of real experience so you really are being taught by the best and in a relaxed and extremely well structured manner. My confidence grew quickly and I really didn’t want to leave! The equipment and facilities available for training are excellent, accommodation and food are very good. I strongly recommend a residential course as the benefits of being able to study with other course members is far more beneficial than working on your own in the evening as you would be in a non residential situation. The support staff are also both friendly and very helpful. I honestly can’t fault MAT Kosovo in any way, very much look forward to returning in the future and will be forever grateful to everyone here for helping me successfully complete the course and embark on a new career. Absolutely 5 stars on every level.

Having no background in military or Mine Action, I started this training in August 2023 at MAT Kosovo. During the 4 weeks of intensive training, I have reached a high level of theoretical and practical knowledge/understanding regarding Humanitarian Demining. Special thanks to Yago and Idriz who kept feeding us with their in-depth knowledge, power points and excellent practical skills. Also special thanks to all of the staff of MAT Kosovo who took so good care of us! I am confident to say that after passing level 1&2, you are able to apply all the demining procedures in practice. I will also attend the IMAS EOD Level 3 training because I want to increase my already obtained knowledge even more. It has been a great experience so far and I can highly recommend MAT Kosovo to anyone who wants to enter the world of Humanitarian Demining.  

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I have had the privilege of further expanding my knowledge of humanitarian demining by attending the IMAS EOD Level 3 course. Through comprehensive and well-structured training initiatives, the MAT Kosovo trainers ensured us that we are well prepared to carry out this vital work in a manner that prioritizes the safety of both the demining personnel and the communities they serve. I would like to thank all MAT Kosovo staff for taking good care of us again. Thanks to all the trainers and supporting staff for making this training possible. There is one person I would like to give a special thanks to, and that is our lead instructor. His teaching skills truly create an engaging and supportive learning environment. His ability to simplify complex concepts and inspire curiosity of all students is commendable. His passion for education is evident, and it has a lasting, positive impact on the lives of those you teach! Keep up the exceptional work in shaping the minds of tomorrow’s deminers!

I would like to thank PCM and MAT Kosovo for a great experience on my recent EOD Lvl 1&2 course (28th Aug-22nd Sept 2023). I arrived with little to no EOD experience at all, but that didn’t matter as everything went right back to basics. The instructors and their vast amount of knowledge and experiences, did a great job passing on all the relevant information in a short space of time. That, coupled with the recce circuits, homework and practice... and more practice.. really drove the information home. In the background, all the support staff. From the cleaners and kitchen staff to the guys in the admin office, helped to make the whole process pain free. I look forward to coming back soon for my Lvl 3 in the very near future.

A huge thank you to my instructor Hekuran and his team for excellent delivery and instruction during my training as an EOD technician, the course was exceptional!

The theory lessons and practical techniques we focused on will no doubt ensure our future clearances will save limbs and lives throughout the world and will be carried out in a safe manner, I highly recommend the school, the instructors and will be returning to MAT Kosovo further my education in IMAS EOD next year.

Being an Ex-Combat Engineer for the Australian Army, I had a good base knowledge of mine awareness and basic clearance. The EOD Level 2 gave me a completely different mind set and knowledge base generally in the area of Mine Action and the full background and understanding of IMAS and Humanitarian Mine Action side of EOD.   The EOD Level 3 course enhanced my base knowledge of LSA, that I received on the Level 2 course, but now included Air Dropped Weapons and Missiles to a high level of understanding and identification, including having the confidence to carry out RSP and Low Order techniques.   I found the courses to be of great value and have passed with the confidence to carry out my duties as an EOD operator. The instructors were of the highest standard and were, at all times, approachable, respectful and above all else personable in their teaching methods, dependant on the skill set of the trainee.   The MAT Kosovo Team at all times made you feel apart of the family and catered to basic needs but also attentive to any and all personal problems that arose at the time.   Thanks to all the Staff for an amazing experience, I highly recommend the MAT KOSOVO Training facility to anyone who wishes to enter into a career, or expand on existing experience.

I am pleased to take part in the Field Operator/IMAS Level 1 & 2 EOD Course conducted by MAT KOSOVO. It enhanced my knowledge in the world of Ammunition and Explosive and equipped me with the essential skills and knowledge for Mine Field Clearance and Battle Area Clearance.  The instructors are knowledgeable and helpful with student doubts. In addition, the school provided great hospitality and solved the students' essential needs and so the students could focus on their learning. Staff are very polite and kind, which makes it a very pleasant stay with MAT KOSOVO.

Definitely will seek opportunities to be back in MAT KOSOVO for Level 3 and Level 3 Plus course the fulfilling learning.

IMAS EOD Level 3 course at MAT Kosovo 05/02/23 till 24/02/23.

It was a loaded course with shared experiences from all over the world like AUS and UKR.

The course program was well split up between theoretical and practical. It gave me, because of my military background,  a better comprehension on the different approaches between HMA and the military. The training of Low Order Techniques was great, it’s an important tool for all EOD operators to have in their backpack.

I want to thank the lead instructor Hasan Sleiman and his team for their knowledge and valuable  experience they all shared with us during the course

I attended the IMAS EOD Level 1&2 at MAT Kosovo in January of 2023. I didn’t work in the HMA sector before and had just very little insight in the field. After 4 very intensive weeks I just can recommend MAT for everyone interested to receive high quality training in Humanitarian Mine Action. Everything has been almost perfect, from the moment of pick-up to being dropped at the airport 4 weeks later. All instructors and staff members at MAT do their absolute best to accommodate a perfect learning experience. After the course I can say that I feel well prepared up to the level intended to start a career in HMA and help my organization to work safer and more efficient in Ukraine. Thanks to everyone at MAT as well as my fellow students for the awesome experience and will be happy to come back for Level 3.

My sincere thanks to MAT Kosovo again for delivering a well-planned course once again, I visited the establishment in July 2016 for my EOD3+ and decided to do the Advanced Search Adviser course in  November. The course is the first of its kind to be delivered in MAT Kosovo and it was done by two well trained Instructors from the UK. The lessons were well prepared and delivered in a Professional understandable way. The practical area that had been establish was well utilize and were perfect for the assessments for the scenarios given to us. The visit at The Search and Rescue Institute in Pristine for building search was well prepared with transport and meals. The Accommodation, meals and washing of clothes was done excellent and friendly staff was always willing to do more as usual. Lundrim at the school was very helpful in any arrangements for after hours activities and pick up and drop at airport and sharing of knowledge with me about history of Kosovo. I want to thanks  MAT Kosovo for a wonderful four weeks well enjoyed and a wonderful course. Keep up with your good work and blessings for the future.

As a former British soldier and plant mechanic I decided that I wanted to work in mine action as friends of mine had already transitioned into and do my part to help clear the world of the ever-growing UXO threat, as such I looked around for a training establishment that is both good quality and value for money, in doing this all the people I spoke to in the industry pointed me at MAT Kosovo.

Initially I only signed up for level 1-2 training but during my level 2 I was so impressed with the quality of training and level of ability that I was able to demonstrate during exercises after such a short period of time that I decided to stay on for level 3, this proved to be the right decision as I applied for several jobs early in my level 3 training and was accepted as a mechanical deminer in Ukraine, I thoroughly believe this is thanks to the good name of the school.

Putting the high standard of training to one side I found the staff to be excellent, the instructors are all highly experienced people, able to give anecdotal experiences while teaching lessons and best of all offer career advice for those coming into the industry hoping like me to get a job after they have qualified. As with all things you do need to put the effort in to get the most out of the school as nothing is handed to you, but for me I really enjoyed the experience and hope in time to do my Level 3+ qualification and ammunition management course, which I believe will only further my career.

To anyone looking at MAT Kosovo I would say this is the best school around and I plan to recommend them to anyone who asks that wishes to get into this industry.

Coming from a Peace and Conflict Studies background, I really wanted to get involved in Mine Action as a way of putting my principles into practice. However, getting high quality EOD training outside of the military is not easy. I feel that, of all the organizations out there, MAT Kosovo is the best. The facilities are great, the classes are rigorous, and there is a healthy amount of practice to get ready for the real thing. Moreover, every instructor has 10+ years of field experience, and they are also very generous with their time and knowledge. For someone who does not have a technical background, like me, this was invaluable. As if all that weren't enough, the food was amazing too. I would recommend this course to anyone who is looking to get EOD certified.

I, Oleksandr Denysiuk, was on a trip to Peje, Republic of Kosovo, from 21/07/2022 to 17/08/2022, on a Humanitarian Mine Action course at the EOD MAT Kosovo Training Centre. During the period of study, I received and mastered a large amount of information, namely: - methods of humanitarian demining (non-technical, technical, and manual demining); - demolition techniques (Main Line and Ring Main); - explosive ordnance destruction techniques (High Order, Low Order, disposal and destruction); - very important information was provided on various techniques of remote defuzing; - I received very important information on demining standards for various types of ammunition, both LSA and ADW; - information on the use of demining equipment and the use of explosive materials by EOD specialists of other countries who really have combat experience and actually participate in demining both in their own countries and in other countries after the end of the war, was also useful. I would like to positively highlight and thank all the employees who participated in delivering the training, and I especially liked instructors Idriz and Hekuran. These are specialists of a very high level, their special humane and friendly attitude is indicative of a high level of education and a culture of communication with people. I never noticed a hint of anger or irritation towards us from the instructors. If something did not work out well, they repeated the information several times until students understood it. I also want to thank the other staff of this training facility, who took care of our comfortable stay and accommodation (food, cleaning, laundry, etc.). Everyone was always kind and friendly. I also liked that the discipline requirements in this training Centre are not very strict, and after the end of a training day, there is an opportunity to do whatever one wants. Summing up, I would like to note that this course was very useful and informative, and I am sure that having completed the course every student will have the necessary knowledge and skills in demining, which will help save their own lives and other people’s lives. In the future, if possible, I would like to take part in level 3-3+ EOD training at this training facility.

The course, which took place in MAT KOSOVO training centre, is actually organized at a high level. Every little thing is taken into account by the organizers. The teaching of educational material is provided in an accessible form, the instructors are highly qualified and have invaluable experience in demining. I took a lot of useful things from the course, and not only in demining, but also gained experience in organizing training and performing demolition tasks. The training centre has impressive facilities and resources in terms of dangerous explosive items. I am sure that this knowledge will be useful in Ukraine. I can confidently say that I spent quality time this last month, and I hope to come here again for EOD Level 3. P.S. Keep it up! I wish you further development and prosperity.

I would like to express my sincerest words of gratitude to the MAT Kosovo and to each and everybody working at the training centre. Almost a month of the IMAS EOD L2+ 'Ukrainian specific' course passed extremely fast due to the diverse and engrossing training program, including multifarious theoretical classes and practicals. I should highlight that all the instructors and workers of the training centre were extremely nice, friendly and supportive, what certainly helped all the trainees to complete the course successfully. Having taken this particular course, I can say from my own experience that it is highly important for Ukrainian specialists to have such a wonderful opportunity to obtain a vast variety of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, which are based on the best international practice.

For almost 4 weeks,  MAT Kosovo  became my home and went far beyond my expectations.

The IMAS EOD2+ for Ukrainian course experience is a memorable one for me as I have never learned so much in only three and a half weeks and had a joyful time while studying. Learning something new from scratch can be difficult but not in the MAT Kosovo. Both theoretical and practical lessons were great, well prepared and explained. The instructors were ready to help with clarifying any information and available to answer my questions, doubt or even curiosity.

I learnt a lot there and that knowledge helped me to excel my career.

MAT Kosovo will always stay in my heart because I truly felt at home there. All the facilities are just great. I’m extremely grateful for the way I was treated and accepted there. The competence of the instructors is impeccable. I was always given answers to all my questions and supported throughout my way despite how intense the course was for me sometimes. My deepest thank you to all the people involved!

This intensive 4-weeks course with a well-structured content was an effective fusion of theoretical lessons and hands-on drills. The instructors - seasoned professionals with extensive EOD experience in various parts of the world - did their best to share their knowledge and expertise with us. While giving us an insight into explosive items encountered in different countries and different conflicts and ways of dealing with them, they still managed to customize the course to the specific needs and issues we are facing in Ukraine. Very warm and supportive atmosphere throughout the course made us feel welcomed and at home. It was an amazing experience!

Having previous experience with military Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and providing specific support to Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA) for 15+ years, I had the feeling that my expertise needed to be formally refreshed. Then, my level of both military and civilian education in fighting the explosive threat had to be evaluated, enhanced and standardized in order to better cope with HMA realm. And I was right! I got also all my requirements fulfilled during my two (2) week International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) EOD Conversion Course between 21^st of February and 4^th of March 2022. For that I am grateful to whole MAT-Kosovo Training Centre’s team in Peja/Peç and to Praedium Consulting Malta for the top-level quality in HMA education and training delivered in both Kosovo and Montenegro. Thank you MAT-Kosovo, you fix this twisted world by teaching good people on how to turn it back in a safer and more secure place. Congratulations!

I am very grateful for the team at Mat Kosovo! I had an incredible experience getting trained through level 1 & 2 and level 3. I came into these two courses without any prior experience in EOD. The learning progression was very effective and the instructors at Mat Kosovo are highly trained and very professional. It was a big learning curve for me and I am confident that anyone interested in getting trained will have no problems regardless if they have no past EOD experience. I have nothing but good things to say about Mat Kosovo. From the first time I emailed Ben to the end of the training, everyone has been very helpful and very quick to respond to any of my questions or needs. I am very grateful I was allow to bring my family along and Mat Kosovo assisted me in lining up an apartment and car rental for the six weeks while I was in training. The staff have also been very helpful in giving me advice on how I can further my career with EOD. Thank-you Mat Kosovo Team! I will recommend your training courses to anyone I know!

The saying goes as follows “Time flies when you’re having fun” and it could not have been more true about the IMAS level 1 to 3 Courses I’ve attended over the period 10 January to 18 February 2022. MAT Kosovo impressed continuously  - from initial enquiry to completion of the course and final drop-off at the airport. Instructors, administrative and support staff went out of their way to assist, always ready with a genuine smile and efficient reply. The methodology of presenting the course is excellent, and they even managed to learn an old dog like me new tricks. Due the nature of IMAS a large quantity of theory had to be presented, but it was kept alive by anecdotes from very experienced and passionate instructors, and with just the right amount of humour. Range days as always, were a highlight, and again, a potential high stress day was managed in a calm and efficient manner that filtered down to the students, many of whom never dealt with explosives before. To conclude, my sincere appreciation, to all involved, making the course a positive and memorable event, and I would highly recommend it to all involved in the de-mining/EOD field.

I attended MAT Kosovo to gain my Level 3, 3+ & Maritime 3+ add on. As a Freelance EOD Engineer moving forward, within an International career both Land and Sea. My project positions required me to develop my qualifications gained during my military time. The school and instruction team have allowed me to achieve this, confidently and with legitimate structure aimed at technically training people, to leave the course equipped with the knowledge to keep themselves safe and the colleagues on the ground around them. The Instructors are a wealth of knowledge and insights into where you need to develop and add their own experiences to the program in aid of realism and ground truth education. Not only have I enjoyed each course, I have left with the understanding and conviction of my certificates.

1^st Line Defence Ltd recently sent their Senior Technical Manager to attend the IMAS EOD Level 3+ Technician and the IMAS Level 3+ Underwater EOD Technician, which ran concurrently during the month of November 2021. The facilities at MAT Kosovo were of an exceptional standard and included accommodation, food, classrooms and outdoor training areas.  The training extended to live demolitions within Montenegro which were supported by a dedicated team of staff to aid the smooth running of the day. The instructors were extremely knowledgeable about the numerous delivered subjects and were engaging throughout the course. We would like to thank all the staff at MAT Kosovo and would highly recommend this school to others looking to progress their careers in HMA / EOD.