Background
In recent years, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) has gained significant recognition as a vital component of education systems worldwide. TVET equips individuals with the practical skills and knowledge necessary to meet the demands of the ever-evolving job market. As we approach the years 2025-2030, the future of TVET will face a multitude of challenges and uncertainties that require urgent attention and proactive strategies.
One of the foremost challenges for TVET is the rapid pace of technological advancements and the increasing automation of industries. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and the Internet of Things are reshaping the workforce landscape, necessitating constant adaptation and upskilling of TVET programs. Institutions must remain at the forefront of these changes, ensuring that their curricula and teaching methodologies reflect the latest advancements to equip students with the relevant skills and competencies needed in the job market.
Moreover, the dynamic nature of the job market demands closer alignment between TVET programs and industry needs. Collaboration between TVET institutions and industries is crucial for identifying emerging job trends and evolving skill requirements. Efforts must be made to strengthen these partnerships, ensuring that TVET programs produce graduates who possess the skills that are in demand and can seamlessly integrate into the workforce.
Bridging the skills gap remains a persistent challenge for TVET. Despite efforts to align curriculum with industry demands, there may still be a disconnect between the skills taught in TVET programs and the skills demanded by employers. It is essential to address this gap through strategic industry partnerships, regular curriculum updates, and meaningful work-integrated learning experiences to ensure that graduates are not only employable but also capable of adapting to the evolving demands of the job market.
Furthermore, equitable access to TVET opportunities is crucial for promoting social inclusion and economic development. Efforts should be made to ensure that individuals from all socioeconomic backgrounds, regardless of gender or geographical location, have equal access to quality TVET programs. This includes addressing affordability barriers, gender biases, and the limited availability of TVET programs in rural and underserved areas.
To build resilience and address these challenges, the TVET sector must prioritize sustainability, quality assurance, lifelong learning, and bridging the digital divide. Incorporating sustainability and green skills into TVET curricula will contribute to addressing environmental challenges and supporting the global sustainability agenda. Quality assurance mechanisms, including accreditation and industry feedback, will ensure that TVET programs consistently produce competent graduates. Promoting a culture of lifelong learning within TVET institutions will enable individuals to update their skills throughout their careers, adapting to changing job requirements. Additionally, efforts should be made to bridge the digital divide by providing digital infrastructure, internet connectivity, and digital skills training to ensure equitable access to TVET programs.
Against this backdrop, the Regional Program on "Navigating the Future of TVET: Addressing Challenges and Fostering Positive Change" aims to bring together policymakers, educators, industry representatives, and stakeholders to delve into the pressing issues facing the TVET sector. Through insightful discussions, the sharing of best practices, and the exploration of innovative solutions, the conference seeks to chart a path forward for TVET, enabling it to effectively address the challenges and build a resilient TVET system that prepares individuals for the dynamic and transformative future of work.
Objectives
The participants are expected to:
- Understand the emerging trends and patterns in TVET focusing on technological advancements in developed countries.
- Gain knowledge about how partnerships between TVET institutions, industries, policymakers, and stakeholders can strengthen the bridge between education and the job market.
- Explore innovative approaches to how member countries are updating and adapting TVET curricula to meet the evolving skill demands of the job market.
- Address barriers to accessing TVET opportunities and promote inclusivity, regardless of socioeconomic background, gender, or geographical location.
- Enhance their knowledge of quality assurance mechanisms in TVET through effective accreditation, regular evaluations, and industry feedback.
- Promote the concept of lifelong learning within TVET institutions, encouraging individuals to continuously update their skills throughout their careers.
- Explore the integration of sustainability and green skills into TVET curricula, addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable practices.
- Provide them an opportunity to discuss strategies to bridge the digital divide and ensure equitable access to digital infrastructure, internet connectivity, and digital skills training in TVET.
- Provide a platform for sharing best practices, success stories, and innovative solutions in TVET
Participants' Profile
The international conference aims the participation of the CPSC member country liaison officers, TVET authority executive directors or managing directors, education ministry secretaries representing respective governments or divisional director generals, college directors/deputy directors/assistant college directors, administrators, teachers/instructors/lecturers, as well as TVET educators and practitioners
Conference Date and Venue
04 December 2023, Mayuree Grand Ballroom, Dusit Thani Manila, Ayala Center, Makati, 1223 Metro Manila, Philippines
Provisional Conference Event Schedule
| 08:30 - 09:00 | Registration | All Participants |
| Opening Ceremony | ||
| 09:00 - 09:30 | Introduction by Master of Ceremonies | |
| Philippine National Anthe | ||
| Opening Remarks | Prof. G.L.D. Wickramasinghe CPSC Director General |
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| Welcome Address | Chief Guest H.E. Betty Palaso Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Embassy of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea |
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09:30 - 10:00 Session 1: Transforming Workforce Excellence in the Age of Industry 4.0: TVET Strategies and Initiatives The session on "Transforming Workforce Excellence in the Age of Industry 4.0: TVET Strategies and Initiatives" examines existing government policies and strategies, initiatives and shares the role of government policies for TVET aligned in Industry 4.0. The Colombo Plan Staff College invited the Ambassadors of India, Malaysia and Pakistan to deliver a presentation on their respective governments’ strategies and initiatives in addressing the issues and challenges brought by IR 4.0. The purpose of this session was to discuss and share experiences and best practices, relevant information and insights to their national perspectives with the attendees. This forum will serve as a platform for stakeholders to gain insights and best practices, encouraging workforce transformation through technical and vocational education and training (TVET), ultimately aligning the workforce with Industry 4.0 requirements. |
| 09:30 - 09:40 | TVET Strategies of the Malaysian Government in Adapting to the Evolving Job Market and Skills Demand H.E. Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Embassy of Malaysia |
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| 09:41 - 09:50 | Strategies and Government Initiatives of India for TVET Workforce Development Ms. Pooja V. Vernekar Counsellor (Political) Embassy of the Republic of India to the Philippines |
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| 09:51 - 10:00 | Role of TVET in Socio Economic Development of Developing Countries: Strategic Approach of Pakistan H.E. Dr. Imtiaz A. Kazi Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the Philippines |
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10:00 - 10:30 Break |
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10:10 - 11:20 Session 2: Fostering Inclusive and Sustainable TVET Solutions: Bridging Skills Gaps, Enhancing Equity in TVET, and Ensuring Resources for TVET Institutes This session, titled "Fostering Inclusive and Sustainable TVET Solutions: Bridging Skills Gaps, Enhancing Equity in Technical and Vocational Education and Training, and Ensuring Resources for TVET Institutes," is dedicated to addressing issues and challenges faced by Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) on a global scale. The session will explore the following key elements:
To address skills gaps, promote equality in education and the labor market, and ensure access to food for all, CPSC invited the participation of ILO, WFP, and GIZ to present their respective interventions in developing a more inclusive, sustainable, and resource-efficient Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) solutions. This session will serve as a platform for international experts, policymakers, educators, and TVET leaders to exchange ideas and best practices, ultimately contributing to the development of inclusive, sustainable, and resource-efficient TVET institutes that bridge skills gaps and promote equity in education and the workforce. |
| 10:31 - 10:40 | Promoting Equity and Access in TVET: Overcoming Barriers and Promoting Inclusivity Mr. Khalid Hassan Country Director International Labour Organization (ILO) |
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| 10:41 - 10:50 | TVET and its Role in Food Security, Climate Resilient Agriculture and Environmental Sustainability Mr. Dipayan Bhattacharyya Country Director World Food Program (WFP) |
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| 10:51 - 11:00 | Bridging the Skills Gap: Innovative Solutions for Aligning TVET Skills with Employer’s Need’ Ms. Sofia Shakil Director Human and Social Development Central West and East Asia Asian Development Bank |
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| 11:01 - 11:10 | Revolutionizing the Future Workforce Mr. Frederic Tesfay Director of Energy Projects Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) |
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| 11:11 - 11:30 | Question Answer Session (20 Minutes) |
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11:30 - 13:00 Session 3: Elevating TVET Excellence: Bridging Digital Divides, Ensuring Quality, Embracing Sustainability, and Cultivating Lifelong Learning Moderator: Prof. Rajesh P Khambayat, Head, Department of Technical and Vocational Education and Research (DTVER) National Institute of Technical Teachers’ Training & Research, In the session titled "Elevating TVET Excellence: Bridging Digital Divides, Ensuring Quality, Embracing Sustainability, and Cultivating Lifelong Learning," the spotlight is on the pivotal role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in a rapidly evolving world. The session delves into the following key areas:
This session provides a forum for thought leaders, educators, policymakers, and stakeholders to exchange insights, innovations, and best practices in the pursuit of elevating TVET excellence in a digitally connected, sustainable economy and environment. |
| 11:30 - 11:40 | Benchmarking of Quality of TVET Institutions Prof. G.L.D. Wickramasinghe Director General Colombo Plan Staff College |
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| 10:51 - 11:00 | Ensuring Quality Assurance in TVET: Enhancing Standards and Industry Partnerships Mr. Alias Bin Haji Abu Bakar Centre Director Representative: Mrs. Noorhayati Cynthia Abdullah TVET Specialist (Curriculum) and Corporate Affairs Manager SEAMEO VOCTECH Regional Centre Brunei Darussalam |
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| 11:51 - 12:00 | Integrating Sustainability and Green Skills in TVET: Meeting Environmental Challenges Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) |
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| 12:01 - 12:10 | Use of XR Technology in TVET in Developing and Emerging Countries Dr. Steven McKee President LABTECH International Mr. Brad Ker General Manager LABTECH Academy |
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| 12:31 - 13:00 | Question Answer Session (20 Minutes) End of the Conference |
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| 13:00-14:00 | Lunch |
