The need of the hour is for a diverse and skilled workforce that is digitally up-to-date. This is because, as a fast developing country, our economy has shifted from solely agricultural to include high- value services.
In Sri Lanka, about 340,000 children enter Grade one on a yearly basis, but only around 30,000 are accepted to the universities. In this equation, although approximately, 140,000 students complete their general education, industries question whether they possess the right skills required by the market.
Why is TVET unpopular
It is estimated that nearly one fourth of our youth are unemployed. The reason for this unemployment is the lack of required skills to secure available jobs.
It appears, parents do not mind their youngsters being unemployed because of the stigma associated with vocational education, which is reinforced by youth who have been exploited by the industry as ‘cheap labour’.
This situation is further aggravated by the lack of interest and involvement shown by industries in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training system (TVET) as a whole, stating that it does not match their market requirements.
This is mainly due to the lack of a systematic approach to monitor labour market demands, and the actual labour requirements based on the growth forecasts are not readily forthcoming from the industries.
All of the above strongly indicate that industries need to improve their recruitment and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to support TVET, youth employment and women empowerment.
School based vocational education
The time has come for us to consider reintroducing skills education at school level which could become instrumental in stimulating interest in the young minds to enter different vocations. School based vocational education is nothing new to Sri Lanka. In the pre-’70s, vocational education was part of the school curricula.
This strategy has two distinct advantages. First, it can cultivate interest among children according to their aptitudes and capabilities. Secondly, it will help remove any negative images associated with vocational education.
Industry support
Industry support is solicited to build the capacity of more than 9,000 teachers attached to the TVET sector. These teachers annually conduct around 9,500 training programs in all major disciplines, such as, construction, engineering, tourism, agriculture, ICT, energy and services. It would be ideal, if industries could also develop a mechanism to contribute towards the remuneration of such teachers, as this would help in the retention strategy of quality vocational educators. On an average, approximately, 70,000 trainees are given industrial training and nearly 55,000 job placements created annually. Hands-on support is sought from the industries to take industry training and job placements to the next level with a strong support mechanism in place where students go through a structured / monitored TVET educational system.
Germany’s dual model TVET system
Approximately, half a million students go through Germany’s dual model TVET system on a yearly basis, which pairs company-based training with a school component. If such a system could be formulated with the required support from industries and chambers in Sri Lanka, it would certainly become a powerful instrument in reducing youth unemployment.
Job providers need to be involved in events related to career guidance, that counsel youth in employment opportunities and career paths available within different sectors. Such interventions can bridge the gaps between young people and local businesses.
Women empowerment
When employing women, a number of issues need to be considered, including their safety, both at work as well as at home. Their requirement for mobility ought to be met. Their non-availability to work late hours due to the different roles they play within families need to be acknowledged.
Research shows that women’s involvements in economic activities tend to improve the overall quality of life within communities. When women are gainfully employed, dramatic changes happen within families, elevating the family living conditions and improving the health and well-being of children.
Celebrated nation
Look at prosperous countries and you will find a well strategized national TVET plan supported by the private sector, addressing issues such as gender, ethnicity, quality and equal employment opportunities. Likewise, if we are to become a celebrated nation, these are the areas we need to work on to build a diverse workforce that is well-qualified, professional and skilled!
(The writer is an HRD & Business Psychology Practitioner)