The
National Training Authority (NTA) on Wednesday held the 1st forum of the
National Technical Vocational and Training (TVET) at the Kairaba Beach Hotel.
The three-day forum, with the theme “Surging ahead on quality and relevance”, was designed to discuss issues such as needs and requirements, chart strategic directions for the transformation and expansion of TVET and ensure that the youth and adults develop employable technical skills for the world of work.
The forum will also enhance the participants, who are drawn from various institutions, a new understanding of TVET delivery with possibilities in transforming the quality of TVET learning policy development.
Delivering his welcoming remarks, Edrissa Kolley, officer-in-charge at the NTA, said the Authority was established by an Act of Parliament in 2002 and became operational in 2003.
According to him, they received an annual subvention from government and major support from the EU in 2006 for technical vocational training reform.
He said the Gambia Government strengthens its funding of TVET through the National Education and Training levy Act of 2005.
Mr Kolley said the mandate includes overseeing licences, monitoring development of standards, conducting labour market research, developing teaching curriculum, establishing quality assurance mechanism in skills training institutions, and developing a national vocational qualifications framework (GSQF).
He added that NTA’s vision or mission is commitment to expanding and strengthening TVET opportunities oriented towards meeting the present and future demands of industries.
He also said that among their achievements are conducting a mapping study, household surveys which are both funded by the world for industrial attachment and master craft.
He added that the authority has accredited 68 training institutions, offering varied courses in information technology, automotive engineering, hospitality, carpentry and joinery, welding and fabrication, electrical, electronic engineering, building construction, and horticulture.
Talking about challenges, he called on all TVET providers to embrace Gambia skill qualifications delivery institutions.
He also said they are working hard to encourage industries to accept interns, a programme out to give trainees/interns the opportunity to be exposed to work and gain practical experience.
He added that TVET plays a pivotal role in the socio-economic development of every country and The Gambia’s TVET system is a testimony to this.
He said the forum would create the opportunity for stakeholders and the general public to discuss issues and give directions for the development of TVET and to tackle the challenges of achieving quality breaks through technical and vocational education and training.
For his part, Samuel Chen, Taiwanese ambassador to The Gambia, said Taiwan and The Gambia are friends and partners.
He expressed his pleasure in Taiwan supporting TVET in The Gambia, saying technical and vocational education is very important.
Ambassador Chen said that for vocational training, they have a project in Demban which is inspired by President Yahya Jammeh and hope to see it successful implementation.
