Introduction to VET:

Vocational Education and Training (VET) is a learning pathway under the National Education System which comprises education, training and skills development relating to a wide range of occupational fields, production, services and livelihoods.

VET, as part of lifelong learning, is being offered at the secondary, post-secondary and tertiary levels, and includes work-based learning and continuing training and professional development that may lead to attainment of qualifications.

The provision of leadership and overall management of this sector to ensure that VET policies are implemented and services are delivered efficiently throughout the country in line with the VET Management Strategic Plan and the National Education Plan 2020-2029 rests with the Vocational Education and Training Division of the Department. The division comprises two branches; SME Coordination and VET Provincial Operations.

The Department has a draft VET Policy that provides a legitimate authority to develop a competitive and skill based VET. The policy will also enhance and provide the leadership and management framework that will expand VET to align with FODE and NLAS throughout the country.

The National Education Plan 2020 - 2029 focus area 6 strongly articulates the Education Pathways in the education system. This allows all learners to choose an equivalent and alternative way through VET. This can be in partnership with FODE and NLAS for knowledgeable and trade competent citizens.

Currently, there is provision of VET students in technical high and technical secondary institutions to link with Technical Education and Training (TET) institutions for National Certificate 1 and 2 courses to attain dual certificates to enter into higher institutions.

Vocational students registered for short courses and who wish to pursue studies in higher institutions are encouraged to take up FODE academic courses to be qualified for spaces in TET and Universities.

The Department of Education has introduced the current education pathway that allows for all students to be educated up to grade twelve levels thus and also it is the way forward to eradicate the notion of traditional discrimination of vocational education and FODE.