By Joseph Momoh, Daily Scope Reporter
The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), conducted a national workshop to validate a new Competency-Based Industrial Plumbing Curriculum (Levels 1–6). This initiative aims to align technical and vocational education with the demands of the labor market.
At the workshop, Minister Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie highlighted the vital role of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in driving national development. She outlined current efforts to rejuvenate technical schools, expand demand-driven curricula, enhance pathways from basic and secondary education into TVET, and promote gender inclusivity in traditionally male-dominated fields such as plumbing and construction.
Dr. Wurie urged industry stakeholders to engage actively in the curriculum design, certification, and accreditation processes. She also advocated for mechanisms like professional identification cards and the recognition of prior learning for informal sector workers.
Abdul Senesie, MTHE’s Director of TVET, noted that the validation represents the culmination of three months of nationwide consultations with industry practitioners, ensuring that the curriculum aligns with national qualification standards and feedback from stakeholders.
Representatives from various development partners commended the initiative. Fred Joe Feika from GIZ emphasized the importance of increasing female participation and fostering stronger private-sector collaborations. Meanwhile, Sia Moses-Kabba from IOM pointed out that TVET plays a critical role in the sustainable reintegration of returning Sierra Leoneans, with over 3,600 returnees since 2022.
John Dugba Kamara from UNESCO stressed that social partnerships are essential for delivering relevant TVET programs that meet industry needs.
Lead consultant Ing. Alfred Abu provided insights into Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET), highlighting its outcome-oriented approach, flexible progression, ongoing assessment, and alignment with industry standards.
The workshop is part of Sierra Leone’s broader commitment to advancing competency-based training and enhancing workforce skills development.
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