DATE: June 16-20, 2025 |
Venue: Online Mode |
Type: In-Country Program |
ORGANIZERS: Colombo Plan Staff College (CPSC), Philippines, andMinistry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Sri Lanka |
Background
Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is key to ensuring sustainable development in the world through the provision of skills for employment, entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 4 on quality education and SDG 8 on decent work and economic growth, highlight the significance of TVET in ensuring inclusive and sustainable economic growth. Countries across the globe are increasingly embedding sustainability principles within TVET systems in order to respond to the new challenges of climate change, digitalization, and shifting labor market needs.
TVET has emerged as a top priority in the Asia-Pacific region as a strategic driver of economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. Several countries have made efforts to reform TVET curricula in accordance with industry requirements, new technologies, and green skill building. The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and the Colombo Plan have all stressed TVET as a future-proofing skills driver. Yet, issues like training-labor market mismatches, obsolete curricula, and insufficient industry engagement remain widespread in the region. TVET institutions need to be strengthened, public-private partnerships encouraged, and digital and green skills integrated to ensure TVET's role in sustainable development.
Sri Lanka identified TVET's critical role in its national development plan, especially in the realization of its Vision 2048 objectives and conformity to international sustainability objectives. TVET has been modernized through competency-based training (CBT), industry linkages, and online learning platforms through a number of country-wide initiatives. The Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission (TVEC) played a pivotal role in enhancing TVET quality, increasing access, and incorporating sustainability principles into curricula. Nonetheless, issues like low participation rates, outdated training facilities, and poor employer involvement still constrain the optimum potential of TVET. For TVET to make its input towards sustainable development, Sri Lanka should further consolidate policy measures, upgrade industry linkages, and intensify green and digital skills development for emerging job markets.
The Colombo Plan Staff College (CPSC) has contributed significantly to the capacity building of TVET in Sri Lanka and the broader Asia-Pacific region through specialized training, policy discussion, and collaborative research focused on sustainable development. Through targeted professional development programs, CPSC facilitates the incorporation of sustainability-oriented curricula, industry connections, and innovative pedagogies in TVET institutions. Its efforts are in line with Sri Lanka's national development agenda and support regional collaboration in developing future-proof skills. Enhancing Sri Lanka's TVET sector through such initiatives will improve employability, promote economic resilience, and ensure that the workforce is prepared to address the challenges of sustainable development
Objectives
The participants are expected to:
- Understand the Role of TVET in Sustainable Development:
- Explore the link between TVET and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
- Promote Green Skills and Sustainable Practices:
- Develop awareness and skills related to green jobs, circular economy, and eco-friendly technologies in different TVET sectors.
- Enhance TVET Curriculum for Sustainability:
- Integrate environmental, social, and economic sustainability aspects into TVET programs and training modules.
- Develop Institutional Strategies for Sustainable TVET:
- Strengthen policies, governance, and collaboration between industries, policymakers, and educational institutions to support sustainable development in TVET.
- Encourage Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Employment:
- Equip trainees with skills to develop green businesses, sustainable start-ups, and eco-conscious enterprises.
Expected Output and Outcomes
The program participants will be expected to acquire a deep understanding of TVET for Sustainable Development to meet the forthcoming challenges of educational and industry transitions.
- Enhanced Understanding of TVET’s Contribution to Sustainability:
- Participants can articulate the role of TVET in achieving sustainable development goals.
- Practical Application of Green Skills:
- Learners apply sustainability concepts to their respective fields through eco-friendly practices and energy-efficient technologies.
- Improved TVET Curriculum and Training Approaches:
- Institutions adopt sustainability-focused curricula and competency-based training methodologies.
- Stronger Institutional and Industry Collaboration:
- Partnerships between TVET institutions, industries, and policymakers leading to the development of sustainable workforce solutions.
- Increased Capacity for Sustainable Innovation and Entrepreneurship:
- Trainees demonstrate knowledge in launching and managing businesses aligned with sustainability principles.
Program Contents
To achieve the objectives set forth, the following topics will be presented and discussed in a consultative manner:
Special Lecture and Theme Papers:
Special Lecture: Achieving UN-SDGs Through TVET
- Theme Paper 1: TVET and Sustainable Development
- Theme Paper 2: Green Skills and Sustainable Practices in TVET
- Theme Paper 3: Green Skills and Technologies for Future Workforce
- Theme Paper 4: Digitalization, Innovation, Emerging Technologies and Future Trends in TVET for Sustainability
- Theme Paper 5: Circular Economy and Sustainable Production Practices
- Theme Paper 6: Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Technopreneurship in TVET
- Theme Paper 7: Financing and Funding Opportunities for Sustainable TVET Initiatives
- Theme Paper 8: Policy, Governance, and Future Directions in TVET for Sustainable Development
Task Exercises and Workshops on the following:
- Workshop 1: Integrating Green Skills in TVET Curriculum
- Workshop 2: Best Practices and Success Stories in Green TVET Policies of Sri Lanka
- Workshop 3: Developing Green business in TVET
- Task Exercise 1: Integrating Sustainability into TVET
- Task Exercise 2: Sample Business Plan for Green Enterprise
- Project Work: Action Plan for Sustainable Development in TVET
Approach and Methodology
Instructional Strategies
To achieve the intended outcome, the following strategies will be adopted during the training program:
- Blended learning and special lectures, videos, and presentations
- Brainstorming and experience sharing
- Group tasks and discussions
- Project work and presentation
Participants' Profile
This in-country program is designed for Directors, Deputy Directors, Assistant Directors, of TVET Institutes, TVET Teachers/instructors/lecturers and officials/practitioners related to TVET authorities.
Date and Venue
The five-day meeting and workshop will take place from June 16 to 20, 2025, via an online platform.
Facilities Requirements
To conduct the program smoothly, the following facilities are required:
- Laptop computers (preferably participants to bring their own laptop)
- Internet Connection (LAN/WAN)
- Audio and Video Equipment
- Multimedia Projector and Projection Screen
Program Management and Resource Persons
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Program Schedule
