Upgrading plan for technical education Brunei Darussalam 2013-2018
Today’s globalised and highly competitive environment calls for a productive workforce that is skilful, efficient (doing things right), effective (doing right things) and innovative. This is imperative for any nation that seeks to build a knowledge-based economy via highly competent, well-educated human resource capital. According to a report by APEC Economic Committee (November 2000), "...in a knowledge based economy, there is a high proportion of people who have completed secondary ed-ucation (to exit, 'year 12' level), who have post-secondary qualifications, and (most characteristically) who are engaged in continuing education". Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) which is increasingly considered as part of mainstream education, creates important pathways towards enhancing competencies for honing employability skills necessary for creating a highly successful economy.
Policy makers, administrators and educators in various fields of TVET have all agreed that TVET plays an important role in the economic and social development of a nation. To become more effective in managing its human resources and develop an integrated approach to skills development, there is a need to re-think the current position of TVET system in Brunei Darussalam.
Plans of actions which are presented in this 5-year Strategic Plan (2013 –2018) required for the modernisation of TVET in Brunei falls under 6 broad themes: (i) course restructuring; (ii) expanding apprenticeship options; (iii) progression opportunities; (iv) upgrading the training environment; (v) scheme of service; and finally (vi) renaming DTE and vocational institutes. In conclusion, this report purposes to apply the proposals mentioned with a view to achieving the objectives, goals and way forward.