SLIATE becomes job oriented

Ramani KANGARAARACHCHI

Technical education must align with and fulfil employers' needs to make them competent, high performing employees who enter the workforce with technical expertise and job-success skills.

Technical education programs must be an integral part of the communities they serve. It is necessary to have closer co-operation between the educational organizations and local employers, Sri Lanka Institute of Advanced Technological Education (SLIATE) Director General H.T. Kamal Pathmasiri said.

He was speaking at the launching ceremony of the SLIATE Program Advisory Committee held at the Central Bank Auditorium at Rajagiriya recently.

The program advisory committee is established to assist in improving technical education programs in Sri Lanka. These programs are viable for both students who follow courses and the employers who recruit students.

Under this initiative the SLIATE program advisory committee will identify educational programs that are out-of-date or do not meet industry standards. It will assist technical education programs that need support on marketing and advocacy of the program to the community.

It will also advise on soft skills, English and career guidance needs of students and assist to identify trends in the industry, available jobs, mentor students and correct placement of skilled youth.

"One of the most common characteristics associated with high quality technical education programs is their close ties with the industry, because industry representatives have a wealth of expertise, personnel, and technologies to offer these educational institutions," Pathmasiri said.