Developments in the education sector takes TVET sector to greater heights
University of Vocational Technology ( UNIVOTEC) Chancellor Professor Dayantha Wijeyesekera said that developments in the education sector encourage students with technical skills and middle level employment, to graduate with a degree. These developments include the GCE Advanced Level (A/L) Technology stream.
Speaking at UNIVOTEC’s fifth convocation held recently at the BMICH, Prof. Wijeyesekera said that UNIVOTEC is a unique Sri Lankan university which caters to the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector. The university provides a pathway for students with vocational qualifications, received through the National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) exams or through mid-level technological qualifications, to receive a degree.
“More students can be attracted into this sector, through new developments in tertiary and vocational education. UNIVOTEC is proud that almost all the graduates of the university are employed and are working towards the development of our country,” said Prof. Wijeyesekera.
He added that the difference between engineering and engineering technology needs to be highlighted.
“Engineering technology is the practical application of science and engineering to real world problems and the term ‘technology’ should not be equated to ‘ engineering'". The differences between engineering and engineering technology are not always obvious," he said.
“The two fields tend to overlap a lot. In most international universities and institutes of technology, engineering programmes strongly emphasise on mathematics and science, especially physics and calculus. Engineering technology emphasises the application of engineering techniques and focus on the development of concepts."
Prof. Wijeyesekera said this has allowed technology graduates of UNIVOTEC, who studied according to the conditions presented by the Sydney Accord and the Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka (IESL), to be eligible for ' Affiliate Status' of the IESL, initially.
Local and foreign professional bodies have an important role in determining the status of higher learning. Any attempts to deviate from the original concepts and objectives will be un-productive and this could lead to the current status of UNIVOTEC being under- valued, Prof. Wijeyesekere said.
“In the current system of University
Education there are three different modes of human resource development, and I am pleased to say that we have been involved in all three modes," said Prof. Wijeyesekera.
"These three modes are, conventional university education, open and distance learning and competency based training and assessment. The most significant development of Sri Lankan university education is the interaction between these three modes, which has resulted in blended learning,” he added.
According to the chancellor, it has not been easy for UNIVOTEC to keep its identity as a non-conventional university, different from a university that only takes in GCE A/L students.
"However because of the demands of the industry UNIVOTEC has become a neces
sary higher education institute. Many international and local experts have been responsible for its establishment and existence and I hope that UNIVOTEC will continue to serve a purpose for students with technical and vocational qualifications."
“There are many options in higher education for school leavers in Sri Lanka, and these avenues can be further strengthened by university graduates who can work as technologists and as technical education teachers." Prof. Wijeyesekera said.