Bedeutung der Berufsbildung in Südasien

The Power of Vocational Education in South Asia

Vocational training is a long-running practice that has been greatly strategized in European countries such as Germany, Switzerland and Sweden. It emphasizes the hands-on training methods for various education and skill development disciplines. Here is information about the power of vocational education in South Asia.

The Power of Vocational Education

Vocational education in South Asia has proven instrumental in productivity for the South Asian workforce. It has even supported economic and social development for families living below poverty or individuals who cannot easily access higher education. Regardless of one’s educational background, a steady income is needed for families living in inconsistent environments to sustain securitized housing, proper nutrition and social support.

The technical and vocational education and training (TVET) sector is incorporated into both public and private educational systems and enables individuals to pursue careers with corresponding skills. Countries in South Asia are working to maintain the TVET sector by reducing economic inequality.

Vocational training could open up more employment opportunities in various fields, including agriculture, manufacturing and technology. Fostering employment opportunities with technical and vocational education may protect the rights and freedoms of vulnerable children and women subjected to exploitative labor.

Vocational Training Initiatives in South Asia: A Regional Overview

These four countries mentioned below demonstrate tremendous dedication to using skill development to foster employment growth for marginalized communities.

India

Currently, there are 9,583 vocational training schools in India. These facilities offer 150 diverse courses and the impact has encouraged hundreds to stay up to date with demanding industries. Vocational education in India aims to eliminate income inequality through cost-effective career preparation. India exhibits a variety of vocational paths. They range from traditional courses such as embroidery to technology-based courses or even child care-focused courses.

Vocational training is formally offered through Industrial training institutes (I.T.Is) and is run under the supervision of the Government of India. In 2015, India's Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, with the help of the private sector, launched an initiative known as Skill India Mission. This mission continues to advocate for the empowerment of individuals of diverse backgrounds through economic progression. Under the Skill India Mission, more than 11.7 million people have been trained in various fields.

The Maldives

The Technical and Vocational Education Center (TVEC) was founded in 2017 by the Coastline Foundation in the Maldives as a notable step in embracing the TVET sector. To support its economy, TVEC has come forward with programs revolving around tourism and marine engineering. With the tourism rate dropping due to COVID-19, the unemployment rate for young adults in the Maldives sits at 15 percent.

In response, the Government of Maldives and the World Bank implemented a program called "Enhancing Employability and Resilience of Youth (MEERY)." It is a five-year project that has committed to improving the skill development of young Maldivians. This is achieved through the teaching of skills such as touristic construction, communications technology and agriculture.

The MEERY project is affiliated with more than 50 programs. It has fabricated a notable platform in youth entrepreneurship for young adults of varied economic backgrounds. As the MEERY project continues to advance, it aims to help 1,200 young people per year.

Nepal

In 1989, the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT) was created to provide technical and vocational skills training. The Government of Nepal initiated the CTEVT to remedy the national poverty crisis. As CTEVT has expanded, approximately 876 courses now exist, with more than 60,000 seats available across the country. An estimated 60-70 percent of civilians in Nepal who have accessed vocational education easily transition into employment.

Pakistan

Pakistan's government has demonstrated support through the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC). The NAVTTC has endorsed “youth skill development” to transform the future generations of Pakistan with career-ambitious growth. With more than 600,000 trainees, this program has acknowledged skill development in technology and conventional industries.

Going Forward with Vocational Education in South Asia

The effort to maintain the efficiency of vocational education in South Asia is prevalent as many countries have begun to invest in Skill Development Funds (SDF). While SDFs and national policymaking regarding vocational education in South Asia have promoted economic growth for families living in poverty, there is further involvement needed to develop the TVET sector.

However, the progress made up to date regarding vocational education in South Asia is encouraging. It has assisted communities living in poverty by promoting perseverance outside of social and economic stigmatization. There has been transparent success in empowering communities such as young adults who could not attain higher education or economically disadvantaged families.

• Author: Abigail Lobo