By Mahzouba Maya Faal
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he national Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) committee sub-group has met to develop strategies that will support the implementation of the National TVET Policy. The committee consists of stakeholders from various public and private tertiary and higher education institutions, among others. The meeting was organised by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology in collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC).
In his remarks, the Director of Tertiary and Higher Education, Anthony G. Mendy, noted the significance of the role of the sub-groups towards the development of a master plan that will guide the implementation of the National TVET Policy.
He thanked partners like the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) for supporting the Ministry in realising this agenda.
The TVET Committee members have been divided into three subgroups. Each subgroup is assigned to work on different areas of the 9 pillars of the National TVET Policy. These include reviewing the institutional and governance framework for better delivery of TVET; expanding access to quality and relevant TVET for all; improving the capacities of the TVET system to develop competitive, recognised and market driven programmes to cater for current and future skills need; improving the quality and the relevance of apprenticeship and on-the-job training for a skilled manpower throughout the economic sectors; harnessing the benefits of the digital era for building a quality and competitive workforce; establishing a national TVET funding mechanism that is robust, sustainable and ensures affordability and accountability; strengthening and integrating the data of the existing education and training management information systems (EMIS) to enhance decision making in TVET; ensuring effective and efficient integration of TVET graduates into the job market and finally, improving the image of TVET.
Representatives from each subgroup presented on their ideas and suggestions. The plans and suggestions identified will be consolidated into one document which will later form the master plan for the implementation of the National TVET Policy.
The MoHERST Head of TVET Unit and Principal Tertiary and Higher Education officer, Ms. Fatou Janneh, thanked members of the National TVET Committee for their dedication, commitment to knowledge sharing.