A Level Playing field for Employment through Vocational Education
The dynamic visionary, Dr. Seetha Arambepola is a Sri Lankan surgeon and Member of the Parliament from National List. Currently she is the State Minister of Skills Development, Vocational Education, Research and Innovation. As a first-time member of parliament, she is brimming with enthusiasm and passion and has a clear vision of what she plans to do with the given portfolio.
“My experience as the Governor has been extremely useful. This portfolio is focused and therefore easy” she said. Dr. Arambepola also stated that as a senior surgeon she has rich experience in dealing with people from all walks of society. The combination of these experiences enables her to take strides in the education sector too.
It was a pleasure for the Sunday Times Education team to meet her and have a chat about her future plans.
EARLY INTRODUCTION OF VOCATIONAL EDUCATION
“Our main target is to introduce vocational training into the school curriculum!” she stated jumping into the crux of her plan. Dr. Arambepola explained that vocational training has to be given its due place, and should not have a secondary place. She said that on completing secondary education, students should be able to select vocational training. It should have the same recognition and place as professional and academic studies.
“However, to introduce it into the school curriculum, it is essential to have the relevant systems in place and to have a process with a high standard”, she maintained.
EQUIPMENT AND RESOURCES
Unlike with most tertiary education paths, in the case of vocational education, Dr. Arambepola explained that high level expertise is not needed. However, the current reality is that there aren’t adequate instructors at any level. “We have already commenced discussions with India and China in this regard” she said.
It was stated that the lack of trainers is a national crisis and is felt strongly. The remuneration packages prevailing in the market is one of the reasons for deterring trainers. “We need to be able to give our trainers opportunities at an international level. This will help us attract trainers and retain them thereafter.” She stated.
“The equipment we currently have is mostly decades old. We currently have over 2000 institutes across the country. They all face the same problem. We need to urgently have at least one high end facility per district. Each district should have its own high quality institute, without being centralised in Colombo”, Dr. Arambepola said.
SERVING THE INDUSTRY NEEDS
She elaborated that while there are currently numerous courses, they aren’t aligned with the industry needs. “We need practical engagement so that students acquire the skills to be employable.”
“Usually a doctor trains with patients. Similarly, our students need real objects to learn, and not just be dependent on models. As a first step, the broken vehicles from our Ministry will be given to our students. Similarly, we are currently having discussions with the Sri Lanka Transport Board so that their broken vehicles will also be given to our students.”
INNOVATION AND IMPLEMENTATION
Sri Lanka has a reputation for many innovations and inventions. However, it is seen that most of these don’t proceed past the prototype stage. “Hardly any of our innovations reach the implementation stage” Dr. Arambepola said. She stated that we have a track record of creating prototypes and selling them to other countries, instead of implementing them locally. “This does not benefit our economy as we don’t economically gain from just selling prototypes”, she explained.
Explaining as to why this is happening, Dr. Arambepola said that the lack of processes has hindered inventors from excelling and executing their innovations.
“The current problem is the lack of systems. Processes need to be streamlined and independent systems need to be introduced. We are currently having discussions with experts such as those at Trace City and the Innovation Commision. We need to also have discussions with other relevant Ministries. My goal is to introduce a one counter system. We will need legal assistance to do this, as it will require new laws. My target is to get this done within the first six months. It will take time, but we will definitely do it.”
LANGUAGE SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
“Our plan is to identify as to what courses need language help in particular. Not everyone needs English at the same level. The courses that have foreign employment opportunities in particular will need extra English and IT support. We are going to invest in training of trainer programmes in this regard” Dr. Arambepola said.
WAY FORWARD
“We need information from our institutes on what they want to do and what they have hitherto failed in doing. We need this data urgently. Once we have a clearer understanding, we need practical proposals to provide solutions. The role of leadership is to facilitate and provide solutions”, she said.
Dr. Arambepola stressed the need for sound systems and processes to move forward. “Once these are in place, it will be easier”.
In conclusion, she said that her goal is to create a safe and efficient environment. “This will level the playing field, enabling anyone to maximize and make the most of available opportunities”