CEO: Vocational studies must be market-driven
Published on: Friday, February 24, 2017
Kota Kinabalu: Malaysia in its search for excellence in Technical and Vocational Education & Training (TVET) is encouraged to emulate Australia where the industry provides direction on how and where knowledge and skills best learned – be it in schools or workplaces.Dato' Sri Ganes (pic), CEO of the SG Education Group told at the Sabah TVET seminar Monday at the Le Meridien Hotel that the private sector in Australia provides industry-specific strategic direction covering market intelligence and skills needs, besides quality management."There are industry skills advisory groups in Australia to advise on competency standards and quality systems, with assessment, accreditation and qualifications," he said.
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Ganes said Malaysia must move towards a more integrated education system. TVET must be market-led, be more flexible and learner-centred, blending vocational and academic education that is responsive to a country's future economic and social development needs."TVET must caters for lifelong learners, accommodates career and learning pathways.Malaysia, he said, cannot continue to have a small group in a committee or meeting decide top down what's best for the country with respect to TVET."Taking Denmark as an example of how things should go, there is extensive involvement of employees and employer organisations, while unions in Malaysia are not that strong and assertive.
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"The Danish system is paid for in part by employers through a national fund. The industry in Denmark drives systems and standards with representation by employees, employers, TVET providers and the government in a minority."Danish employers and employees are responsible for developing programmes and qualifications," Ganes said.
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"Finland is another example where the industry advises the Ministry of Education. TVET is viewed as prestigious as university-based education in Finland."The Ministry of Education manages Finland's TVET system. TVET providers, industry, business and unions are involved in identifying skill requirements and the development of qualifications," Ganes explained.He went on to elaborate on how to create the vision for a modern TVET system in Malaysia with four pillars that he listed as:1. Demand driven / Employer-led2. Lifelong learning opportunities3. Recognised qualifications / 'certified training'4. Quality / accreditation / monitoring"TVET development should not be the arbitrary view of the government or TVET provider. TVET needs industry advice on content and standards as it must reflect industry requirements. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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