Technical Vocational Education and Training
The Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) embraces:
Vocational Education – which aims to provide alternate, skills-oriented education and training for students
leaving the formal education system with Grade 8 (and sometimes Grade 10 )school certificates; and
Technical Education – which aims to provide skills training in technical areas for students leaving the formal
education system with Grades 10 and 12 school certificates and to provide further opportunities for those
already in the work force,
since technical education is primarily a national function, the analysis of the existing situation in the province will
concentrate on the status of vocational education whilst raising issues on the linkages to technical education.
Vision
Vocational Education institutions in all districts offer alternative, skills-based learning for students leaving the formal education system. Appropriate and relevant courses of varying lengths cater for the training needs of Grade 8 and Grade 10 leavers including those with special needs appropriate short courses relevant to community needs also available to various sections of the community in response to community demands.
Infrastructure
Shortage of training tools, equipment and materials in all vocational centres continue to be a real problem. One of the main reasons for very low enrolment in vocational school is the lack of, or very poor condition of, training materials and equipment. Unlike, ordinary high schools or secondary schools, appropriate and adequate training materials, equipment and tools are essential for proper vocational training.
Very poor conditions of student and staff accommodation, teaching classrooms, water and sanitation and other associated facilities are common sights in all vocational schools. This has contributed very much to the low interest in vocational training.
Curriculum
Many of the courses presently offered by existing vocational centres are of limited relevance in the location where they are offered. The lack of development in the Province and the lack of any extensive industries mean that graduates of vocational centres with most trade-related skills have few opportunities for paid employment in the Province.
Proposed courses to be offered in the vocational institutions in the Province will be based on a common curriculum available to all vocational schools nationwide whilst considerations will be given to courses based on local demand in line with the Competency Based and Training (CBT) proposed by the National TVET Policy and Plan.
