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| Sunday, 4 May 2003 |
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Big boost for vocational, technical education by ANJANA GAMAGE Sri Lankan students at colleges and training institutions across the country will be able to acquire both National and City and Guilds International Vocational Qualifications (IVQs) which now haveofficial recognition from the Sri Lankan government. This follows the signing of a co-operation agreement between the Ministry of Tertiary Education and Training and the City and Guilds, UK's leading vocational qualifications awarding body, recently. Minister of Tertiary Education and Training, Kabir Hashim, said that the education pact would assist in strengthening Sri Lanka's vocational and technical education framework. "This agreement represents an important landmark in our development as a nation. Not only are we able to enrich people's lives by giving them the broadest range of internationally recognised qualifications and learning opportunities through the City and Guilds, but IVQs will also increase the employability of Sri Lankans both locally and internationally". He said that the agreement will also facilitate greater GDP/economic prosperity for Sri Lanka to be a leading exporter and developer of skilled manpower. Chief Executive of City and Guilds International Division, Michael Swan, confirmed that the awarding body was investing significant resources in Sri Lanka and South East Asia. "We look forward to working closely with Sri Lanka's Ministry of Tertiary Education and Training to provide its citizens with the mechanism for Sri Lankans to be recognised globally for their vocational and technical skills", he said. At present, the Ministry of Tertiary Education and Training has identified 45 trades with employable opportunities. IVQs have been offered in Sri Lanka for many years and are available in a diverse range of technical subjects, including Hair and Beauty Therapy, IT skills, English for speakers of other languages, Craft level skills, Motor vehicle maintenance, Travel and Tourism and Telecommunications and Engineering. The IVQs are widely accepted worldwide, including the Gulf States for employment and educational advancement. City and Guilds will work closely with the Ministry, its departments and colleges to administer registrations and certifications and will also advise all stakeholders on the necessary systems and infrastructure that should be put in place. In the first half of 2003, City and Guilds and the Ministry will establish pilot programmes with selected colleges and training institutions throughout the country before extending IVQs nationally by the end of the year. |
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