CIPM Research Reveals the Way Forward to Attract Youth to Tertiary Vocational Education & Training (TVET) Education

CIPM Sri Lanka – the Nation’s leader in human resource management, published a national-level research report titled “Attracting Sri Lankan Youth to Technical and Vocational Education: The Way Forward”, which focuses on identifying the barriers to attracting the Sri Lankan youth to courses conducted by the TVET (Tertiary Vocational Education & Training) sector while making recommendations to rectify the existing gap between industry needs and the output. The research report also addresses the unsatisfactory social recognition of the TVET sector’s implementation and functions by the youth and how to change these perceptions. This research study collected data from 3000 unemployed youth representing all the districts in Sri Lanka.

The research was conducted by CIPM’s Standing Committee on Applied Research and Knowledge Centre, whose Chair, Prof Prasadini Gamage heading the research team as the Principal Researcher, and supported by Dr Dilrukshi Herath (Team Leader), Indika Kaluarachchige, and Athula Hewapathirana.

“We are delighted that CIPM was able to conduct this extensive research study and publish a report with practical recommendations and findings to support decision-makers in the TVET sector to improve their offerings. We are confident that the research report will add value at all levels in forging a way forward for our youth and industry to benefit from a better-suited TVET programme significantly,” said Jayantha Amarasinghe – Immediate Past President of CIPM Sri Lanka.   

“The social recognition of the TVET sector’s implementation and functions within the country is somewhat unsatisfactory amongst the youth. Thus, the survey explores the integration of labour market needs with a skilled workforce in the TVET System, thereby establishing and formalizing TVET qualifications based on the research findings,” said Prof Prasadini Gamage.

She added, “The public is unaware of the availability of highly paid salaries and job opportunities for TVET pass outs with great demand in national and international labour markets. The recognition of skilled labour provided through TVET is highly valued at local and international levels. The NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) holders are given more recognition in local job opportunities, thereby being directed to internationally recognized jobs, and we trust that the research report will help the TVET decision-makers to better align the programme offerings to the needs of the industry and the youth,”.

Technical and Vocational Education & Training (TVET) plays a significant social and economic role in Sri Lanka. It supports the national development objectives and provides skilled workers for the labour market. Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission (TVEC), the national apex body of TVET in Sri Lanka, awards the National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) and is responsible for establishing and maintaining an efficient and effective technical education vocational training system in the country. The training providers conduct courses to meet the industry-specified competencies for local and international demands.