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Establishment of the University of Vocational Technology (UNIVOTEC) at NITESL Premises Under the Ministry of Vocational & Technical Training

Proposed University of Vocational Technology ( UNIVOTEC )

The proposed University of Technology (UNIVOTEC), has been the recent evolution in the Technical and Vocational Education & Training (TEVT), sector in Sri Lanka. The average annual intake to the TEVT institutions under the Ministry of Skills Development Vocational & Technical Education has been over 50,000, and the target for the year 2006 will be 70,000 and in the total intake for the ministerial training institutions in 2007 will be planned up to 100,000. Since the National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) system has been implemented, the trainees passing out from the technical & vocational training centers will be the target intake of the UNIVOTEC for degree level training.

Objectives of the UNIVOTEC

The general objective of the Univotec shall be to provide progressive upward movement to the students in the technical education and vocational training system, based on their aptitudes and abilities, to acquire university education.

The specific objectives of the Univotec shall be:

01. to provide pedagogical training up to degree level for trainers serving in the technical and vocational education sector and industry

02. to provide courses of study for middle level technical personnel, with qualifications acceptable for admission to Univotec, up to degree level, and

03. to provide courses of study for those with National Vocational Qualifications to upgrade their competencies and acquire a degree level qualifications

04. To provide extension courses on continuous professional development.

It shall be the duty of the Univotec to advise the Minister and the Government on any or all matters referred to in subsection 1, and on any other matter that may be referred to the Univotec by the Minister and the Government

Reforms of TVET and the Concept of University of Vocational Technology

The Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system of Sri Lanka is undergoing reforms for the development of a skilled professional workforce at all levels for the economic and social development of the country. The major reforms in the sector include the establishment of a National Vocational Qualifications system that will impart nationally identified competencies in respecter occupations supported by teaching, training and evaluation systems specially designed for the purpose. The Quality Assurance of courses and operation of courses employability are also key features of the system.

National Vocational Qualifications (NCQ) system has seven levels of certification; level 1 to 4 for certificate level, Levels 5 and 6 for diploma level and level 7 for Bachelor's Degree Level. The NVQ system provides upward mobility from one level to the other with the acquisition of higher level competencies and hence provide a pathway for upgrading of qualifications and to earn a degree. The TVET Intuitions, whether public or private, may enter into the NVQ system and award appropriate qualifications on successful acquision of competencies.

The public TVET system coming under the preview of the Ministry of Skills Development, Technical and Vocational Education provide courses leading to certificate level (NVQ level 1 to 4) at present and nine colleges of Technology (cots) will be developed in 2006, upgrading one Technical College from each province. These colleges of Technology will provide Diploma Courses leading to NVQ level 5 and 6.

The University of Vocational Technology, the apex institution of the technical and vocational educational system will offer courses at NVQ level 7, ie Bachelor's degree level. This university which is different from the conventional university system will have its student admission from the TVET system based on NVQ or equivalent qualifications they possess GCE Advanced Level qualifications or not and offer courses leading to Applied Technologies and Teaching of Technologies. The diploma holders from the exiting TVET institutions too will have appropriate entry to the university.

While the University of Vocational Technology provide a pathway for large numbers of students and trainees in the TVET system to earn a degree and be Technologists and Technology Teachers, the social image of TVET as a system of social as system of limited opportunities will change. This will promote a system that will attract youth to TVET system by choice and Sri Lanka as a nation will be able to bring its skilled and professional workforce to the expected levels for an accelerate growth.

Faculties Proposed in UNIVOTEC

01. Faculty of Training Technology to provide pedagogical training upto degree level for trainers. The National Institute of Technical Education of Sri Lanka established under the Act No. 59 of 1998, will be converted as the Faculty of Training Technology, absorbing its entire staff, into the permanent cadre.

02. Faculty of Industrial Technology to provide degree level courses of study for middle level technical personnel

03. Faculty of Vocational Technology to provide course of study at degree level for diplomats passing out from technical & vocational training institutions.

Funding for the establishment of UNIVOTEC

01. Rs. 60 million in the year 2005, and a total of Rs.340 million for the year 2006 from the National Budget.

02. US $ 20 million from the Asian Development Bank

03. EURO $ 2 million from GTZ