Dhaka (ILO news) - The highly anticipated Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBT&A) Level 6 programme for TVET principals and managers was successfully introduced for the first time in Bangladesh, marking a historic milestone for the country's Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector. The training began on 7 October 2023 and ended with the assessment on 2 December 2023.
The CBT&A Level 6 programme is specifically designed to empower principals with the essential expertise required for the nationwide implementation of competency-based National Technical and Vocational Qualifications Framework (NTVQF) or National Skills Certification (NSC) courses. The programme places a strong emphasis on the development of standards, effective assessment strategies, and the oversight of training facilities, ensuring a holistic approach to skills development.
On January 13, 2024, Dr Farid Uddin Ahmed, Secretary of the Technical and Madrasah Education Division, handed over competency certificates to participants during the concluding ceremony of the training programme. Dr Ahmed acknowledged the participants' dedicated efforts throughout the training and emphasized that their real work begins now. He highlighted their crucial role in transferring knowledge to others, contributing to the government's initiative to establish a high-quality TVET system.
This transformative endeavour is made possible through the support of the Skills 21 Project, funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Labour Organization (ILO). The project has among other developed a systematic professional development pathway for TVET teachers and managers.
Gunjan Dallakoti, Head of Programme at the ILO Country Office for Dhaka, emphasized the significance of the CBTA Level 6 training in laying the foundation for implementing the BNQF. Reflecting on ILO's history of engagement with the government since 2007 through the TVET reform project, Mr. Dallakoti underscored ILO's commitment to supporting the government in enhancing the productivity of Bangladesh's workforce for both national and international labour markets. He furthermore stressed the importance of investing in and allocating budgets for teachers' professional development.
Prior to the introduction of CBT&A Level 6, 4355 TVET officials underwent comprehensive training through different training programmes, likewise developed by the Skills 21 Project, focusing on the development of trainers and master trainers. The inclusion of the CBT&A Level 6 training represents a significant leap forward, creating an advanced platform for principals to effectively lead the implementation of skills training alongside trainers and master trainers. The Bangladesh Technical Education Board Chairman, Director General of Directorate of Technical Education, Principals of other TVET institutes were present at the event.
Participants' reflections on the training
Eng. Pradipta Kisha- Principal in Charge- Feni Polytechnic Institute said, 'I consider myself fortunate to be part of the launch of CBT&A Level 6 programme in Bangladesh. This timely initiative by the ILO and the Government of Bangladesh aims to enhance our capacity through a national qualification specifically designed for TVET managers. While I have undergone various training programmes in institutional management, governance, finance, and leadership in the past, this training stands out for its profound insights into the CBT&A methodology. The programme has equipped me with technical knowledge and a thorough understanding that will significantly contribute to my ability to supervise our long-standing Skills training program in our institute".
Eng. Md. Lutfar Rahman, Principal, Bangladesh Korea Technical Training Centre (BKTTC), Dhaka said "As the principal, I have overseen the provision of CBT&A Skills courses for an extended period. While I previously approached supervision from an administrative perspective, this CTBT&A Level 6 course has provided me with a deeper understanding, allowing me to view the CBT&A training through the lens of quality assurance. Now equipped with comprehensive knowledge spanning the entire CBT&A training process, from Training Needs Analysis to qualifications development, I am better prepared to ensure the high-quality implementation of courses in my institute. I strongly recommend that all principals take this training programme to effectively oversee the delivery of quality skills training in their institutions."
Skills 21 project is a joint initiative of the Government of Bangladesh and the International Labour Organization (ILO), funded by the European Union. The project seeks to increase productivity and employment opportunities through an environmentally conscious, inclusive, demand-driven, and interlinked skills development system responding to the needs of the labour market.
