DATE:
February 26,2024 - March 1, 2024
VENUE:
National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), Islamabad Pakistan
ORGANIZERS:
Colombo Plan Staff College (CPSC) and
Office of the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), Islamabad Pakistan

Background

Asia encompasses a vast and diverse range of economies, cultures, and educational systems. The significance of TVET varies across countries, reflecting distinct economic structures, industrial landscapes, and societal needs. Some Asian nations, particularly those with rapidly growing economies, place a high premium on TVET to meet the demands of emerging industries. Others, with well-established manufacturing bases, focus on upgrading and adapting TVET to keep pace with technological advancements. Asia's interconnected economies and diverse industries necessitate international collaboration in TVET accreditation and certification. Many Asian countries actively seek partnerships with international bodies and institutions to align their TVET standards with global benchmarks. Such collaboration ensures that graduates are prepared for diverse job markets and industries, fostering a globally competitive workforce. International recognition of certifications also facilitates cross-border labor mobility and promotes the region's competitiveness on the global stage.

Accreditation serves as a systematic process for assessing and validating the quality and standards of educational institutions and programs. In the context of TVET in Asia, accreditation ensures that institutions offering vocational education meet specified criteria related to faculty qualifications, infrastructure, curriculum relevance, and industry linkages. Accreditation provides a framework for continuous improvement and accountability, ultimately enhancing the credibility of TVET programs across diverse Asian nations. The accreditation of TVET institutions often falls under the purview of national or regional bodies in Asia. Some countries have established dedicated national agencies for accreditation, while others may rely on ministries of education or vocational training councils. Regional bodies, such as The Asia Pacific Accreditation and Certification Commission (APACC), the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO), and the Asia-Pacific Quality Network (APQN), also play crucial roles in promoting regional cooperation and harmonizing accreditation standards. Therefore we can say that certification is a key aspect of quality assurance in TVET, providing formal recognition of an individual or institution's competence or compliance with established standards. Across Asia, certification programs align with industry needs and standards, enhancing the employability of TVET graduates. Recognized certifications also facilitate the mobility of skilled workers within the region and beyond, promoting a harmonized approach to skills recognition. Accreditation and certification are integral components in ensuring the quality and relevance of TVET across the diverse landscape of Asia. By fostering regional collaboration, aligning with international standards, and addressing unique challenges, Asian countries can position their TVET graduates as skilled contributors to the region's economic growth and competitiveness. A commitment to quality assurance and continuous improvement will be crucial in realizing the full potential of TVET across Asia's dynamic and evolving educational landscape.

Pakistan is struggling hard to ensure the quality of TVET programs is imperative for meeting the demands of the rapidly evolving global job market. Accreditation and certification mechanisms serve as vital tools in guaranteeing that TVET institutions in Pakistan adhere to international standards and produce graduates equipped with relevant skills. Over the years, the Pakistan Government supported various initiatives that have been taken to enhance the quality and relevance of vocational education. However, challenges such as outdated curricula, insufficient infrastructure, and a lack of industry linkage have persisted. Recognizing the need for a skilled workforce, Pakistan has placed renewed emphasis on TVET in recent years, with a particular focus on accreditation and certification to ensure quality.

To enhance the global competitiveness of TVET graduates, Pakistan has increasingly sought international collaboration in accreditation and certification processes. Aligning TVET standards with international benchmarks ensures that graduates are prepared for diverse job markets and industries. Additionally, international recognition of certifications facilitates the mobility of skilled workers and promotes a positive image of Pakistani TVET graduates on the global stage. This training program is also initiated very timely inline to support the strategic action plan of NAVTTC by ensuring that this program will be more responsive to the needs of regional requirements.

Thus, CPSC in collaboration with NAVTTC is organizing this in-country program “Accreditation & Certification in achieving Quality Assured TVET” which seeks to provide a discussion space for the representatives from various institutes in Pakistan to further cement the role of accreditation in ensuring that TVET institutions in their respective districts and provinces to capitalize on the opportunities brought about by increasing globalization and closer integration of economies. The program seeks to emphasize the goal of achieving “organizational excellence” using accreditation as one of its strategies. Infusing both concepts is a very productive and gainful initiative that will benefit not only the participants but to the thousands of students and faculty members who are set to gain significantly from an institution that is certified excellent by the proper authorities. At the end of the training program, the participants will be able to gain theoretical and practical experiences in transforming their institutions to be accreditation-ready and compliant institutes in anticipation of related activities and for future improvement.


Objectives

The participants are expected to:

  1. Understand the concept of Quality Assurance System
  2. Appreciate the need and importance of accreditation and certification of TVET programs and institutions to respond to the national, regional, and global labor market
  3. Understand the nature and significance of various criteria and parameters used for accreditation as a tool for improving the quality of TVET Institutions
  4. Comprehend the steps involved in the process of accreditation
  5. Prepare the documents needed for submission to accrediting agencies
  6. Create a discussion opportunity and experience sharing for the institute representatives aimed to exchange relevant information on how to enhance quality assurance offerings in TVET for their institute

Expected Output and Outcomes

The expected output of the program are

  • Strategic framework through SWOT analysis to enhance TVET Institute’s quality assurance practices
  • Comprehensive list of TVET institute’s issues and challenges related to maintaining a QA system.
  • Awareness of accreditation standards, criteria, and requirements for accreditation

The Participants are expected to gain accreditation knowledge to enhance their capacity towards TVET accreditation as Quality Assurance in Establishing Quality TVET System.


Program Contents

Theme Papers & Presentations on the following:

  • Special Lecture: Benchmarking Quality Assurance of TVET Institutions
  • Theme Paper 1: Overview of TVET Quality Assurance System by NAVTTC
  • Presentation 1: A Decade of Institutional Accreditation Impac, on Pakistan TVET system with Benefits and Challenges
  • Presentation 2: Role of NAC Accreditation for uplifting TVET Regime in Pakistan
  • Theme Paper 2: Institutional Accreditation as Quality Assurance for TVET Institution operations & work Procedures
  • Theme Paper 3: Program Accreditation as Quality Assurance for Standard Programs
  • Theme Paper 4: Role of the Skills National Assessment and Certification System as a Quality Assurance System
  • Theme Paper 5: APACC for Accreditation and Certification of TVET Institutions in Asia Pacific Region

APACC Orientation Sessions

  • Class Session 1: Governance and Management (Criteria 1)
  • Class Session 2: Teaching and Learning (Criteria 2)
  • Class Session 3: Human Resources (Criteria 3) and Research and Development (Criteria 4)
  • Class Session 4: Image & Sustainability (Criteria 5) and Other Resources (Criteria 6)
  • Class Session 5: Support to Students ( Criteria 7)

Exercises and workshops on the following:

  1. Conduct a SWOT Analysis on the Institutional Quality Assurance
  2. Identification of Major Issues & Challenges in Maintaining a Quality Assurance System
  3. Workshop on Criteria 1 and 2
  4. Workshop on Criteria 3 and 4
  5. Workshop on Criteria 5 and 6
  6. Workshop on Criteria 7

Approach and Methodology

To achieve the objectives set forth, the following strategies will be employed in a consultative manner. To facilitate productive and interactive learning, the following instructional strategies will be utilized to effectively train the participants:

  • Lectures and orientation sessions
  • Experience sharing
  • Workshops/Activities
  • Video presentations
  • Use of OnCOURSE learning management system
  • Questions and answers

Participants' Profile

The program is designed for the following TVET professionals including college principals, college vice principals, assistant college directors, administrators, teachers, instructors, and lecturers, as well as individuals in the field of education associated with the TVET Authority. This also extends to those affiliated with private TVET institutes, either directly or indirectly.


Date and Venue

The five-day meeting and workshop shall be held from February 26, 2024 to March 1, 2024 at the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), Islamabad Pakistan


Facilities Requirements

To conduct the program smoothly, the following facilities are required:

  • Laptop computers (preferably participants to bring their laptop)
  • Internet Connection (LAN/WAN)
  • Audio and Video Equipment
  • Multimedia Projector and Projection Screen
  • Flipcharts and large papers (for brainstorming activities)
  • Pens/Markers

Program Management and Resource Persons

Program Supervisor Prof. G. L. D. Wickramasinghe
Director General
Colombo Plan Staff College
Bldg. Blk. C, DepEd Complex, Meralco Avenue
Pasig City 1600, Metro Manila, Philippines
Email: [email protected]


Program Supervisor Mr. Muhammad Aamir Jan
Executive Director
National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC)
Headquarter plot-38, Kirthar road H-9/4
Islamabad, Pakistan
Email: [email protected]


Program Coordinator and Resource Person Engr. Dr. Mian Khuram Ahsan
Senior Faculty Specialist
Governing Board-Engaged Faculty Consultant
Colombo Plan Staff College
Bldg. Blk. C, DepEd Complex, Meralco Avenue Pasig City 1600, Metro Manila, Philippines
Email: [email protected]


Local Program Coordinator Dr. Henna Karamat
Director
International Cooperation
National Vocational & Technical Training Commission,
Headquarter plot-38, Kirthar road H-9/4
Islamabad, Pakistan
Email: [email protected]


Local Program Support Staff Ms. Saima Gill
Assistant Director (International Cooperation)
National Vocational & Technical Training Commission,
Headquarter plot-38, Kirthar road H-9/4
Islamabad, Pakistan
Email: [email protected]


Local Program Support Staff Mr. Irfan Ahmed Ujan
Assistant Director (IC)
National Vocational & Technical Training Commission,
Headquarter plot-38, Kirthar road H-9/4 Islamabad Pakistan
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://navttc.gov.pk/


Resource Person Dr. Fida Bazai
Director General (Accreditation and Certification)
National Vocational & Technical Training Commission
Headquarter plot-38, Kirthar road H-9/4 Islamabad
Email: [email protected]


Resource Person Mr. Abdul Hafiz Abbasi
Director General (S&C / NSIS)
National Vocational & Technical Training Commission
Headquarter plot-38, Kirthar road H-9/4 Islamabad
Email: [email protected]


Resource Person Mr. Atif Mahmood
Technical Advisor
The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit(GIZ)
Level 2, Serena Business Complex
Khayaban-e-Suhrwardy Rd, G-5/1 Islamabad
Email: [email protected]


Resource Person Mr. Naeem Yaqoob
Deputy Director (P&BD)
National Vocational & Technical Training Commission
Headquarter plot-38, Kirthar road H-9/4 Islamabad
Email: [email protected]


Resource Person Ahmed Salman Mirza
Director (Monitoring / Research) / Deputy Director (NAC)
National Vocational & Technical Training Commission
Headquarter plot-38, Kirthar road H-9/4 Islamabad
Email: [email protected]


Resource Person Prof. Romulita C. Alto, Ed.D.
Project-Based Faculty Consultant
Research Consultant, TIP
Former CPSC Governing-Board Engaged Faculty Consultant
Colombo Plan Staff College
Bldg. Blk. C, DepEd Complex
Meralco Avenue Pasig City 1600
Metro Manila, Philippines
Email: [email protected]


Resource Person Pn. Noor Aidi binti Nadzri
Former Director
Politeknik Ibrahim Sultan
Johor, Malaysia
Email: [email protected]


Resource Person Dr. Hazrat Hussain
Principal
Government Technical Teachers Training College
The Center of Excellence
Hayatabad, Peshawar
Pakistan
Email: [email protected]


Program Schedule