Project description

Title: Rehabilitation and Modernisation of Vocational Training Institutions in Support of the Reconstruction Efforts
Commissioned by: German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
Country: Sri Lanka
Lead executing agency: Ministry of Vocational and Technical Training
Overall term: 2005 to 2009

Context

The tsunami of December 2004 destroyed housing, productive capital and infrastructure. There is a shortage of skilled workers and technicians for carrying out reconstruction work, especially in the construction and housing technology sectors, and for maintaining machines and equipment.

The vocational training measures in these occupations are designed to boost reconstruction efforts, actively involve those affected – especially young people – in the rebuilding process, create income opportunities and strengthen local economies. Sri Lankan education and vocational training institutions are, however, only to a limited extent able to react to the challenges resulting from the tsunami. 

Objective

Selected vocational training institutions (technical colleges) provide workers and technicians with the skills and know-how needed for reconstruction. This skilled workforce is available in different regions of the country and can meet local requirements.

Approach

The project works on three levels:

• Modernising training in selected occupations at the vocational training institutions by providing further training for teaching staff, advising on the development and implementation of tailor-made training courses and equipping workshops for trainees.
• Advising the Department of Technical Education and Training, which is responsible for the vocational training institutions, on devolving responsibility to the training institutions.
  Among other things, communication channels were established between the private sector in the region and the technical colleges, enabling the latter to respond to the demand for skilled labour on the part of the firms involved in reconstruction.
• Advising the partner ministry on coordinating the post-tsunami activities of international donors in the vocational training sector and on responding to international developments in this sector.

Results achieved so far

Four new training courses for skilled workers and technicians were set up at the technical colleges. All of the vocational training institutions that received support now offer modern courses. The numbers of trainees and graduates have risen.
A performance rating system focusing on quality management and human resources development was set up for teaching staff, directors and institutions.
Regular coordination meetings chaired by the state secretary at the partner ministry are now held for all donors.

The institutions now have a better understanding of each other’s work in conflict regions. Approaches to change management and the lessons learned in change projects have been disseminated in the institutions.