1/02 - The World of TVET

The world of TVET is huge.

Its a complex term and a lack of comprehensive understanding can lead to inadequate policy planning - the big picture matters, the elephant must be seen and appreciated as a whole.

The Acronym: TVET stands for Technical and Vocational Education and Training. It consists of three core components:

1. Technical Education

2. Vocational Education, and

3. Training

In a nutshell, it's learning experience; a choice of study, a pathway to almost immediate employability.

The image above depicts this clearly, TVET may be a blend of all three components or they may be separated. You, the learner are free to choose. Furthermore, what is more interesting is that, the learning experience takes place within two major spheres;

1. The Supply Side (Academic Institutions),

2. The Demand Side (Industries) or

3. A Mix of both.

The professions that come out from any of these three concoction, ranges from being a Baker, Graphic Designer to being an AI Technician. For a small weird looking acronym, TVET can have a large impact on your life. As I mentioned earlier, TVET can mean almost immediate employability in various jobs out there. Its up to you to choose, which component to be part off. Each will provide you with a different learning experience.

Its important to note that "Training" serves as a bridge between theoretical knowledge and practical application, essential for both technical and vocational education paths. It ensures that students not only understand the concepts related to their field but can also competently apply them in real-world scenarios. This perspective better reflects the integrated nature of training within the TVET ecosystem.

For policy makers, the simplified table above should be understood in its entirety before any planning is done. Understanding them would mean, developing the right policies, management strategies, funding, etc,. These three components if strategically combined within both the Supply and Demand world can propel a nation's GDP.

Note to ponder:
There are those who like to use the term "TVET Education" when they deliberate their argument, personally and Maya agrees, its confusing as in the acronym TVET, Education is already mentioned. Education is part and parcel of TVET, but in what percentages is the key issue here. We will look at that soon.

Below are three components are the basis for understanding the world of TVET. To allow us in understanding this further, Maya has come up with a table to clearly show how the three components stand:

Thank you for your time ❤️