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KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 25
Today, unemployment has become a grave problem in many countries, especially in the developing and least developed ones. Vocational training (VT), if imparted well, can mitigate this problem to some extent.
VT programmes typically focus on teaching persons how to perform the works required in the workplace in sectors such as auto maintenance, carpentry and medical assistance. Since the training is specifically related to their fields, persons often find jobs easier than people with general academic backgrounds.
VT is great for those who want a more hands-on approach than the academic route, especially if they know what industry they want to move into. Often VT takes part in the workplace to provide interested persons with the ability to apply new knowledge to real life situations straight away as well as learning interpersonal skills through working in a team with colleagues.
VT is designed to meet the specific needs of employers and job seekers. This means that enthusiastic persons develop the skills and knowledge that employers want, increasing their employability and likelihood of finding a job after completing their training. The practical learning also helps young people figure out what specific job they want to pursue in their chosen industry.
Vocational courses can be assessed in a variety of ways. This can be advantageous to people who prefer to be assessed differently and demonstrate their skills in other ways.
VT also does not come with the same costs attached to a degree.
In many cases, it is fully paid, depending on the programmes, and even when fees are applicable there are loans and funds available.
VT programmes tend to be less expensive than the longer academic educational programme; therefore, they result in considerably less debt and greater freedom with income.
Since learning by doing is at the peak of the learning pyramid, VT offers a person the chance to be directly involved.
In Nepal, the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT) is the apex autonomous body for such technical and vocation courses. Under its huge umbrella, there are various constituent and affiliated technical schools, colleges, training centres as well as annex colleges.
CTEVT provides both Technical School Leaving Certificate and Diploma Courses for agriculture, engineering and medical science as well as short duration vocations for animal and plant, sciences, fashion designing and commercial cooking among many others. There is an extensive list of affiliated educational institutions and training centres affiliated to CTEVT's official website.
A version of this article appears in the print on October 26, 2021, of The Himalayan Times.
