|
|
|
  |
| Sunday, 8 May 2005 |
 |
|
 |
Business |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
|
TVET fails to meet private sector demands by Gamini Warushamana Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions of the government sector have failed to cater to the demand in the private sector of the country due to the poor quality courses and skill levels of graduates. These findings were presented at the research convention 2005 organised by the Ministry of Skills Development, Vocational and Technical Education at the BMICH. In- depth studies conducted by research teams of State and private sector training institutions, universities and non- governmental organisations presented at the convention were open for discussion in three parallel sessions with professionals, academia and private sector representatives. The objective of the research was to seek information for sustainable reforms in the vocational training sector. Only 36.5% of the companies are ready to consider graduates of government TVET institutions when recruiting employees. Insufficient practical skills of the graduates, poor quality training programs, inadequate use of modern technology and inadequate industrial exposure are the main reasons for the loss of faith of the private sector. The gap between the corporate sector of the country and TVET institutions has also lost valuable opportunities available to the private sector to obtain the vast resources available in these institutions to train their workers. The study revealed that 85% of companies were reluctant to get the skills of their employees upgraded through the government TVET sector. Research conducted by a team led by Director, Research and Operation Chandana Vidanapathirana noted that only 48% of trained persons have obtained jobs within two years after the completion of the training. Out of trained persons covered by the survey 40.3% followed two or more courses. Forty-four per cent who obtained vocational training from government institutions are now engaged in employment and their fields are not relevant to their training. Based on the findings of the research the following recommendations have been made to achieve the objectives. Establish a mechanism to alter the number of trainees enrolled for occupational categories based on local and foreign labour market information. Expand career guidance activities to the school education system and specially focused on GCE (O/L) students rationalisation of institutions and courses for effective resources, utilisation and management. Take appropriate steps to increase the student's satisfaction and reduce the dropout rate. Bring TVET sector under the National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) system and establish a unified and credible certification system. Establish a national level training system for IT and e-learning and special career guidance program focused on females and disabled groups. Twenty-seven research papers presented at the convention covered all institutions under the Ministry, major courses of these institutions and specific issues faced by them. The Skills Development Project funded by the ADB sponsored the research. |
|
| News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
| Produced by Lake House |
