Transforming TVET curriculum: Step to progress

The Pre-Tertiary Education Act of Parliament now provides two agencies for delivering pre-tertiary education: the Education Service (ES), formerly GES, and the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Service, which is responsible for a section of secondary education.

In today's rapidly evolving world, countries must equip their workforce with the necessary skills and knowledge to meet the demands of a competitive global economy.

Ghana, recognising the importance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), has undertaken significant efforts to enhance national productivity and employability through the transformation of its TVET curriculum.

Traditionally, the Technical and Vocational system served as the backbone of TVET in Ghana. However, the Competency-Based Training (CBT) curriculum was introduced in some TVET institutions a few years ago; a new era of skill development and capacity building has emerged.

This transformation has been spearheaded by the Commission for TVET, with the support of the TVET Service as the implementing agency.
         

Competency-based

As Ghana's quest for enhanced national productivity and employability has currently led to the transformation in the TVET curriculum, a comparative analysis between the traditional Technical/Vocational system and the innovative Competency-Based Training curriculum has unveiled a resounding victory for CBT.

This victory is attributed to capacity-building workshops organised for some TVET institutions in the past, empowering facilitators to spearhead success.

The traditional curriculum clings to the past, while the CBT curriculum paves the way for a vibrant and dynamic future, emphasising the contrasting approaches and their implications for Ghana's TVET sector.

Curriculum

The CBT curriculum goes beyond mere theoretical knowledge by empowering learners to become self-reliant and capable of addressing real-world challenges.

This hands-on approach fosters a culture of innovation and problem-solving, traits that are highly sought after in today's competitive global economy.

The Commission for TVET is expanding its work with the introduction of the CBT curriculum in all of Ghana's TVET institutions.

 The resultant positive impact on national productivity and employability signals a rising tide that benefits society as a whole.

In a speech to open a one-week institutional capacity-building workshop, Mr Patrick Kweku Abotsi, the Principal of J. G. Knol Technical Institute located at Adukrom Akuapem in the Eastern Region, indicated: “The Competency-Based Training curriculum is the fuel that will propel Ghana's TVET revolution forward, creating a skilled workforce capable of driving national progress". 
             

Training

What then is Competency-Based Training? It is an educational approach that focuses on developing specific skills and competencies required for a particular job or industry.

CBT emphasises practical application and real-world scenarios to ensure that learners acquire the necessary skills for a successful performance in the workplace.

CBT has gained popularity in vocational and technical education systems worldwide due to its effectiveness in producing job-ready graduates. 

By aligning training programmes with industry demands and focusing on the development of specific competencies, CBT enhances employability and equips learners with the practical skills required to succeed in the workforce.

The 2023/2024 first-year batch of learners in the TVET institutions will be taught and assessed on the interim harmonised CBT curriculum, comprising core subjects and any of 30 elective subjects in various TVET institutions nationwide, under the free secondary education policy.

As the renowned American author Mark Twain once said, "The secret of getting ahead is getting started."

Let us embrace this transformative journey and unlock the full potential of our nation through a robust and dynamic TVET curriculum.

Together, we can shape a brighter future for Ghana and its citizens.
                                                                                                             
The writer is a facilitator/teacher, 
J. G. Knol Technical Institute, 
P. O. Box RD 39, Adukrom-Akuapem.

E-mail: emplodeaf1@gmail.com