Attracting Sri Lankan Youth to Technical and Vocational Education: The Way Forward

Abstract

This Chapter represents the conclusion based on the review of related literature and on the analysis of found data representing the conclusions drawn about the research objectives and combining with recommendations and implications as remedial action in solving the prevailing issues of the study followed by suggestions for further research. "The ultimate aim of all governments in the world is to achieve a series of desirable objectives such as the reduction of poverty, a healthy population, education for all and a clean environment etc. which are among the 17 sustainable development goals of the United Nations" In this context the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Sector plays a major role in the country's development in diversified ways thereby paving the country towards reaching its ultimate goal. NVQFSL was institutionalized in the year 2004 and with time grew along on a steadfast journey gradually developing and moulding into a well-established TVET sector in Sri Lanka. However, the fact remains that the social recognition of the TVET sector's implementation and functions within the country is somewhat unsatisfactory amongst the youth. Thus the survey explores Integrating Labour Market Needs with Skilled Workforce in TVET System thereby establishing towards formalizing TVET qualifications, based on the research findings. Keeping in mind that the Human Resources is a vital factor of the organization's efficiency the TVET sector conducts various TVET courses in providing different qualifications at different levels. The researcher based on the TVET sector with the labour market perspective highly concentrating on the national and international levels thereby makes an effort in keeping the present standards. The qualification status of an individual for the related occupation is difficult concerning today’s labour market which highlights as an emerging issue in the current world today which needs to be addressed without delay as recommended. Technical and Vocational Education Training sector is carrying out youth towards more job availability thereby to a higher earning capacity.Yet nevertheless the fact remains that the public being unaware of the availability of highly paid salaries and job opportunities concerning the TVET pass outs that stands at a great demand in both national and international labour market. Thus thereby a massive gap in the supply of man power being created through the wrong perception towards the TVET sector where the public demotivates the youth in being attracted and keen in vocational courses. Thus due to misguided perception among the public, the TVET sector has a lesser recognition for vocational education thereby the pass outs from TVET are not being recognized. Yet nevertheless the actual recognition of skills labour provided through TVET is highly valued both local and international levels. The NVQ holders are given more recognition in local job opportunities thereby being directed to internationally recognized jobs. The public perceives that there is no clear career path in vocational education which must be corrected thereby with more public awareness must be introduced attracting more youth to the sector. According to the analysis concerning the public perception, on the aspect of non-preference of skilled jobs, a better mechanism should be implemented in order to attract the youth to the sector. According to the results, it shows that youth is assuming that it’s quite difficult to get a promotion in terms of a vocational job and also do not prefer the working environments. Taking these matters into onsideration the sector must be promoted with new technology and also working culture promotion should be introduced which is also necessary in terms of attracting youth to the TVET sector. Based on the results the Youth disliking the tasks and duties of vocational jobs and also not given preference in being an entrepreneur. In this context the need arises to create promotional aspects as remedial actions to these burning issues thereby leading towards positive thinking that being an entrepreneur through vocational education is a life time achievement and a financial investment that can never go wrong! Which in return once achieving their goals will naturally recommend vocational education to others.