Career development opportunities in technical education

A long felt need in Sri Lanka on the Development of Vocational Training and Technical Education has been fulfilled by the enactment of the Parliamentary Act No. 31 of 2008 on the University of the Vocational Technology presented by Minister of Vocational and Technical Training Piyasena Gamage.

Though Technical Education has been in existence for over a century with the establishment of the first Technical College at Maradana in 1895 and Vocational Training has been in existence from the time of our forefathers, thousands of years ago, during periods of ancient civilization, career development opportunities up to degree level has not been available in a manner or possible in many overseas countries, for those with aptitude, skills and competencies.

This progressive career development path would be quite different from the conventional system of university education where centralized admissions are done through the Universities Grants Commission (UGC). Furthermore, the type of University Teachers at such a vocational and Technological University would have to be quite different with the special practical and vocational emphasis.

Students who would be admitted to this university would be those who have undergone theoretical and practical education and training at the 9 colleges of technology (one in each province), those who have pursued the National Vocational Qualifications and also to those who have acquired mid-level technological qualifications. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a special feature together with bridging programmes for those who require theoretical and/or practical competency based training (CBT).

While for technology, the degree would be awarded as the Bachelor of Technology B.Tech, another special feature of this university would be the production of the much needed technology teachers for the technical education institutes. Such graduates would be awarded the B.Ed (Tech).

While technology graduates from this University and the Engineering graduates from the Engineering Faculties of the Conventional Universities would complement one another in industry similar to the Nursing Graduates and Medical Graduates in the Health sector, it is expected that there would be a large saving in foreign exchange by reducing the number of mid-level qualified technical personnel seeking this further education overseas, when such work oriented, quality University degree level Tertiary Education opportunities are available locally.