Strategic Plan to Kickstart Improvements in Technical Education

The Technical Education Department is preparing a twenty-year strategic plan to overcome issues relating to technical and vocational education.  This includes preparations for the establishment of comprehensive, quality and relevant technical education.  The Acting Director of Technical Education Department, Ministry of Education, Awang Haji Mohammad Daud bin Haji Mahmud said this in the familiarization ceremony for the 17th intake of Nakhoda Ragam Vocational School in Lambak, Wednesday.

He added that there are still critical issues faced by the Technical Education Department.  They comprised of a lack of facilities to cope with the increasing number of enrolments, aging school buildings and a low job market for the graduates of technical and vocational education. 

Awang Haji Mohammad Daud emphasized on the three stages of qualifications and skills for technical and vocational education.   He said the new system of technical education comprised of training programs for skillful technicians, technologists and professionals to meet the skilled human resources required by Brunei.

Seven courses are offered for the 2004/2005 session, which include National Trade Certificate 2 in Dressmaking and Tailoring, Bricklaying, Painting and Decorating; National Trade Certificate 3 in Electrical, Electronics, Plumbing and Pipefitting as well as National Vocational Certificate in Hairdressing.  The minimum qualification to apply into this school is to complete Form 3.  After finishing these courses, the students can either continue their study to Sultan Saiful Rijal Technical College or applying for a job in the government or private sector.