‘Universities need to play a bigger role in TVET sector’

By Rathindra Kuruwita

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) neededs to change as the world had transformed with the advent of new technologies, Dr. Harsha Aturupane, World Bank’s lead economist and programme leader for human development for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, said in a televised interview recently.

Dr. Athurupane said complex and advanced machines were now widely used, and Sri Lankan job seekers must learn to work with them.

“When I was at university, there were blackboards and chalk. We didn’t have computers. Now, we think of smart classrooms. Computers are widely used. How we teach and learn has changed from blackboards to computers. Old lecturers didn’t need to use computers, but now it’s a vital skill. This is the same with other human capital development.”

Dr. Aturupane said that universities need to play a bigger role in the dissemination of new technologies. He said that the world is now in the fourth industrial revolution.

“The new digital world poses many challenges. We need to change our jobs, the way we teach, what we teach and how we conduct research. I believe that universities must take the leadership in this. The fourth industrial revolution is led by universities and its researchers. These academics and researchers must show how we should face the challenges of the fourth industrial revolution. Then comes teachers at schools and the instructors at TVET centres.”

He added that TVET is important for youth between 16 and 20 who are seeking the skills demanded by the job market. He added that most Sri Lankans think that TVET is about producing mechanics and heavy machine operators.

“There are many other things that are applicable to all jobs. Creativity and analytical skills are vital for all jobs. The ability to mingle well with your teammates is vital, too. It is an asset if a person can be productive and accomplish tasks.”

Dr. Aturupane said that the Sri Lankan population is aging, and this poses a significant challenge to the economy.

“The youth find it difficult to bear the burden of the old. There are several ways of addressing this. One of these is to enhance the productivity of young people. We need to boost their human capital. We must improve their skills, attitude and knowledge. Furthermore, we can also use more machinery instead of relying solely on labour.”

Sri Lankan women have a high degree of education, he said. Most students at universities are women. However, only about 32 percent of the women are working.

“When we look at the working-age population, only one in three women is in the job market. But women are more educated than men. We are losing out on human capital. Some women stop working after they have babies. Some women are looking after the elderly parents. These are not bad things. However, there should be mechanisms to do these things. For example, a lot of young people are going abroad. Who will look after their parents? This must be addressed by companies that look after the elderly. Companies must also provide babycare. When these companies develop, young women can join the workforce more.”

The Sri Lankan economy is increasingly being driven be services and these sectors are digitizing at a rapid phase, he said, adding that Sri Lanka managed to shift to online education during the COVID-19 pandemic, but digitization of the TVET sector is slow.

“This does not mean people are not trying. The sector needs more funding and assistance.”

About 30 percent of TVET training is given by the private sector. The government must provide education and TVET for low income people, he said.

“The government must ensure that the private sector maintains minimum standards. There are some private institutions that provide substandard training.”

Entrepreneurship is also a valuable skill, he said. Some people naturally have this skill, and the government must take steps to enhance their skills and create an atmosphere where they can use their skills to expand the economy, Dr. Aturupane said.