Lifelong learning and training: a bridge to the future - Unesco-Unevoc

There is an urgent need to link up TVE with higher education to give opportunities to those
beneficiaries of TVE who desire and have the capacity to pursue advanced studies and training.
This will encourage those at the lower levels to opt for TVE as a viable career choice and not a
second chance opportunity.
Flexible access to TVE throughout life
Challenges and issues
Due to the high cost of TVE the majority of those who could benefit from it do not have
access. Available TVE programmes are often de-linked from the production process and to a large
extent are delivered using traditional theoretical methods.
on.
TVE does not address the needs of the informal sector where most production activities go
The assurance of quality programmes and the award of various forms of certification is
another major challenge for TVE. There is a proliferation of certificates and diplomas ranging from
short term courses (days and weeks) to long term (months and years). This is often difficult for
employers to determine the worth of such credentialing resulting in under-employment in some
cases.
Discussions and recommendations
There is a need for clear government policies that give priority to TVE by allocating
appropriate funds for its execution.
Partnerships between TVE institutions and enterprises will foster better working
relationships that will support and strengthen TVE programmes. This will also give the TVE
teachers and trainers opportunities to update their experiences.
There is a need to find alternative methods of delivery of instruction for TVE. Teaching
institutions and teachers should be reoriented to use flexible teaching and learning materials. Some
of these should include: the development of modularized curricula and assessment methods; the
development and use of appropriate technologies for instruction - online services and training
materials, computerized learning packages, use of CD-Roms, intranet and internet, etc.
In order to ascertain the quality of programmes and the award of appropriate credentials, it is
necessary to: a) develop widely recognized qualification standards and use them for certification;
b) develop appropriate tools for assessing practical skills; and c) have flexible and transferable
qualifications.
Workforce development for the 21st century
Challenges and issues
The majority of the workforce is found in the informal sector yet TVE often targets those in
the formal sector. This is often due to the lack of appropriate national policy frameworks and
National Qualifications Frameworks.
∼ 38 ∼