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Edex project chairman says:
Curricula must be modified to match job market
Sanjeevi JAYASURIYA
The education system should be changed continuously relevant to meet
the demand and the needs of the business, industry and society. The
policy makers should focus its strategies in understanding the changing
needs of the environment, EDEX Project Chairman Kamal Abeysinghe told
Daily News Business.
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Kamal Abeysinghe |
A close relationship is needed among education authorities when
modifying the course curricula to match the job market demand.
The purpose of the education is not securing a job alone. Among the
long term benefits of education are creativity, ability to conduct
research and innovation,” he said. It is important that the education
system should bring in technical and vocational training within the
formal system.
Steps need to be taken to reduce the drop outs after Ordinary Level
examination which is around 18 percent at present, he said. It is
necessary to conduct a road show displaying the job trends and
qualifications required to ensure employable youth are produced.
Our education system does not produce sufficient number to match the
market demand and limit the potential of students to book learning.
The system should be changed to accommodate advancement in
technology, preserving green environment and the sustainability of
resources, he said.
The green concept plays an important role in today’s society. The job
market demand this concept and many commercial ventures adhere to green
standards which is world recognized and need to comply when trading with
the European markets.
“The job market showed different kinds of trends due to global
meltdown locally and internationally with downsizing and freezing
recruitment. The trend was to hire more skilled people. The efforts to
increase productivity had a positive impact on recruitment of multi
skilled to minimize the staff strength,” he said.
“We are coming out of recession and certain sectors such as road
construction, engineering are opening up.
The worldwide demand is increasing and even in Sri Lanka there is an
increase in demand for labour.
Therefore, it is vital to meet the job market requirement to enable
gainful employment, he said. |
