Technical education emphasises the application of basic principles and tools of sciences and mathematics in day-to-day human needs. Instead of merely attaining proficiency in manual skills, the objective of technical academics is to prepare the graduates that are a class above, to provide a degree level technical education for youth in the country, who have the National Vocational Qualification (NVQ).
The University of Vocational Technology, Ratmalana was set up by Parliamentary Act No. 31 of 2008. With the motto, ‘Life Long Learning’ and the University of Vocational Technology curriculum together with their mode of delivery are customized over a broad range of studies, including quantity surveying.
Being a course of study with full of technicalities in construction, Quantity Surveying has been associated with the basic principles of economics, technology, law, management and mathematics, the blend of which is ultimately aimed to give the best value for clients, on construction projects.
A three-year, week-end degree in Quantity Surveying leading to a Bachelor of Technology was started in 2016 catering to employed industrial personnel who have acquired a minimum level of NVQ 5 in the National Vocational Qualification framework. Thirty-two students of its first ever intake, passed out at the convocation held at BMICH on November 21.
The University of Vocational Technology and the Department of Quantity Surveying is proud of this achievement. It is hoped that these graduates will soon be globally connected in a sector where technological flows, communication advances and increased mobility is inevitable.
Quantity surveying is indeed a sector where many longstanding concepts are being continually tested, refined and reshaped for the betterment of construction as an industry that contributes a significant portion of the Gross Domestic Product.
It is understood that education and training in quantity surveying should be proactive in a way that it reflects global changes in the profession as well. However, inadequate funding, dearth of lecturers and textbooks do pose challenges.
The course was started with a handful of visiting lecturers and conducted amidst difficulties.
Today, the Department of Quantity Surveying has a pool of qualified staff, both internal and external, working towards a strategic direction the B.Tech QS deserves. It is hoped these graduates get gainfully employed in a variety of technology sectors namely oil and gas, nuclear plants, industries, public utilities and infrastructure.
We hope the alumni, after it is set up, will act as a catalyst to bridge any gap between the university and industry. At the least, the graduates are equipped with a practical knowledge backed by theoretical know-how.