DATE:
October 21-25, 2024
Venue:
Sri Lanka Foundation Institute, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Type:
In-Country Program
PARTNER ORGANIZATION:
Colombo Plan Staff College, and
Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Sri Lanka

Background

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institute-industry linkages are fundamental to developing a skilled workforce that meets the emerging needs of the modern economy. These partnerships enable TVET institutions to deliver training programs relevant to current industry demands, ensuring that graduates are equipped with the skills and competencies required in the labor market. As industries evolve due to technological advancements, globalization, and changing economic trends, TVET institutes must stay aligned with these shifts by fostering close relationships with industry players. Such linkages help reduce the skills gap, a common challenge in many sectors where the skills of graduates do not always match what employers need.

One of the most critical benefits of TVET institute-industry linkages is the direct involvement of industry in curriculum development and training. By collaborating with industry professionals, TVET institutes can design programs that teach both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for specific occupations. Additionally, partnerships often lead to internships, apprenticeships, and on- the-job training opportunities, giving students hands-on experience in real- world work environments. This exposure not only enhances technical skills but also cultivates soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, which employers highly value.

Moreover, these partnerships foster innovation and continuous learning. Joint research initiatives between TVET institutes and industries can lead to technological advancements and process improvements that benefit both the education and business sectors. Innovation hubs or centers of excellence established within TVET institutions offer platforms for students and industry professionals to work together on solving industry-related challenges. Governments often support these linkages through public-private partnerships (PPP), providing funding, infrastructure, and policy frameworks to facilitate collaboration. In this way, TVET institute-industry linkages are not just about aligning skills with jobs—they also contribute to national economic development by creating a more competitive and adaptable workforce.

Thus, the Colombo Plan Staff College (CPSC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Skills Development, Vocational Education, Research and Innovation, Sri Lanka is organizing this in-country program on “TVET Institute-Industry Linkages” which seeks to provide a discussion platform for the representatives from various institutes in Sri Lanka. The program further aims to cement the role of TVET practitioners in the success of TVET programs in the 21st century that hinges upon the capabilities of their institutions and their students. Possessing a unique combination of Institute and Industry skills, exceptional leadership qualities, and amiable interpersonal attitudes, can drive the participants institutions and Industries toward excellence, preparing workforce demand to thrive in an ever-changing global economy. At the end of the training program, the participants will be able to gain theoretical and practical experiences in transforming their institutions and Industries via partnership.


Objectives

Upon successful completion of this program, the participants will be able to:

  • Analyze industry needs and trends to ensure that TVET programs are relevant and responsive
  • Develop the capacity of TVET managers to manage and implement industry-linked programs effectively
  • Establish sustainable and mutually beneficial relationships with industry partners
  • Provide the know-how to assess the impact of industry linkages on TVET programs and make data-driven decisions for continuous improvement.

Expected Output and Outcomes

The expected outputs of the program are:

  • Institutional SWOT Analysis for institute-industry partnership in the Sri Lankan TVET system, with focus on aligning skills training with industry demand.
  • Performance assessment of the Dual Training System in Sri Lanka’s TVET, including recommendations for better integration to enhance both theoretical and practical learning.
  • Improved understanding of institute-industry linkages through case studies, aimed at strengthening future collaborations

The participants in the course are expected to acquire a deep understanding of Institute-Industry Linkages in TVET, enabling them to effectively address the challenges of educational and industry transitions.


Program Contents

To achieve the objectives set forth, the following topics will be presented and discussed in a consultative manner:

Special Lecture

  • Special Lecture: Institute-Industry Linkages for Better Employability and Self-Employability

Theme Papers

  • Theme Paper 1: Building Industry-Institute Linkages in TVET System: Concepts and Principles
  • Theme Paper 2: Type of Linkages Network
  • Theme Paper 3: Strategies for Effective Linkages
  • Theme Paper 4: Role of Government and Policy in TVET Institute–Industry Linkages
  • Theme Paper 5: Dual Training System: Concept, Benefits and Challenges
  • Theme Paper 6: Future Trends and Organization in Institution– Industry Network

Exercises and workshops on the following:

  • Workshop 1: Undertake SWOT Analysis for Institute-Industry Collaboration in the TVET System of Sri Lanka
  • Workshop 2: Review and Analyze the Implementation of the Dual Training System (DTS): Suggestion for the TVET System in Sri Lanka
  • Workshop 3: Case Studies (Success Stories of Institute-Industry Linkages)

National Seminar on Collaborative Education Models: Redefining Learning through Industry Partnerships

  • Session 1: Global Partnership for Internationally Recognized TVET Qualifications
  • Session 2: Preparing Students for the Future: Skills and Competencies in Demand
  • Session 3: Overcoming Challenges in Industry-Academia Collaborations

Approach and Methodology

Instructional Strategies

To achieve the intended outcome, the following strategies will be adopted during the training program:

  • Blended learning including face-to-face (F2F) and special lectures, videos, and presentations
  • Brainstorming and experience sharing
  • Group tasks and discussions
  • Study visit
  • Project work and presentation

Participants' Profile

The training is expected to be attended by 40 participants, including TVET institute managers, professors, and teachers.


Date and Venue

The five-day training and workshop will be held at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute in Colombo, Sri Lanka, from October 21 to 25, 2024.


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

Program Management and Resource Persons

Program Supervisor Dr. Suresh Kumar Dhameja
Director General
Colombo Plan Staff College
Bldg. Blk. C, DepEd Complex, Meralco Avenue
Pasig City 1600, Metro Manila, Philippines
Email: [email protected]


Program Supervisor Ms. Samanthi Senanayake
Additional Secretary (Vocational Training)
Ministry of Education - Skills Development, Vocational
Education, Research and Innovation
354/2 Nipunatha Piyasa
Elvitigala Mawatha, Colombo - 08, Sri Lanka
Email: [email protected]


Program Coordinator and Resource Person Dr. Kesavan Ulaganathen
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 Ms. Bala Malaliyage Dimuthu Prabha Chandrasiri
Director (Vocational Training)
Ministry of Education - Skills Development, Vocational
Education, Research and Innovation
354/2 Nipunatha Piyasa
Elvitigala Mawatha, Colombo - 08, Sri Lanka
Email: [email protected],
[email protected]


Resource Person Prof. G.L.D Wickramasinghe
Professor
Former CPSC Director General
Department of Textile and Apparel Engineering.
University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka.
Email: [email protected]


Resource Person Mr. Don Dimuthusiri Dishakirthi Suraweera
Senior lecturer Grade I –
Department of Electro-Mechanical Technology,
University of Vocational Technology
No 100, Kandawala Road, Rathmalana, Sri Lanka
Email: [email protected]


Program Schedule