Equity and Access in TVET

Model TVET institutions to equip young people with right skills to enter the world of work

ILO’s EU funded Skills 21 project is transforming seven TVET institutes into ‘model’ training institutions that will be more inclusive, environmentally-conscious and better integrated with local economies/industry. The ‘model’ centres plan to train 17,500 youth in nine occupations.

Feature | Dhaka | 03 February 2020
Locations of the Skills 21 model TEVT institutes
Many industry participants have serious concerns about the basic level of education and training. While TVET has expanded rapidly, there has been little assurance that greater learning has accompanied the greater quality. There is limited evidence that a large proportion of the many students in TVET institutions are acquiring the quality skills that are relevant to job market expectations.

Seven (7) existing institutions (including one in Chattogram Hill Tracts) transformed into Model TVET Institutions is a major outcome of ILO’s European Union funded Skills 21 project. These institutes will ensure improved Access to and Equity within the TVET / skills development system for inclusive, environmentally conscious, quality and labour market-responsive skills development holding Registered Training Organization (RTO) designation and performing as Bangladesh Technical Education Board (BTEB) assessment centres.
In 2018, Skills 21 Project conducted a stakeholder consultation workshop and presented guideline for the selection of TVET institutions eligible for project support. The main consideration is their potential capacity with minimal support from the Project to deliver demand-driven programs.

The consultation meeting recommended seven institutions considering the modality of the project and draft guidelines for selection and geographical location of the country to meet the objectives of Skills-21 project.
The selected institutions are:

1. Bangladesh Sweden Polytechnic Institute, Kaptai, Rangamati
2. Khulna Mahila Polytechnic Institute, Khulna
3. Institute of Marine Technology, Bagerhat.
4. Gaibandha Technical Training Centre; Rangpur
5. Feni Polytechnic Institute, Feni
6. Jamalpur Technical School and College, Jamalpur
7. Sylhet Technical School and College, Sylhet

To transform these institutes into MTI, the project developed a guideline and quality improvement plan. In the quality improvement plan, there are criterions for the institutes to become MTIs.
The criterions are:

a) Governance and Management- This criteria aim to employ good governance and management within the institution for the right direction toward the implementation of the program for MTI
b) Competency Based Teaching and Learning- Training program delivery not only to achieve intended quality skills but also to become a role model in training program implementation.
c) Faculty and Staff - Availability of competent experienced and proactive instructors and staff related occupational skills.
d) Research and Development- The institution is engaged in promoting and motivating research and development in relation to new skills, technology, workplace etc. in the job market.
e) Engagement and linkages - Engagement of occupation specific private sector enterprises in the implementation of quality training programs including in work-based learning.
f) Resources (Financing) - The institute is successful in meeting infrastructure (market driven tools and equipment plus relevant learning resources such as audiovisual equipment) and facilities for quality training programs.
g) Support for Students - career guidance and career support services, post training workplace information services to job information.

Moreover, the MTIs have to take initiatives focusing on specialised areas such as greening the institutes, inclusion of gender and persons with disabilities (PwD), skills for migration, inclusiveness of TVET programmes, digital technologies for employment, business incubation and modern career guidance and job placement cell.

Skills 21 project is a joint initiative of the Government of Bangladesh and the International Labour Organization (ILO), funded by the European Union. The project seeks to increase productivity and employment opportunities through an environmentally conscious, inclusive, demand-driven, and interlinked skills development system responding to the needs of the labour market.