Current Status of TVET Programs at Technical Training Centers (TTC) In Bangladesh

Abstract

The Technical Training Centers (TTC) in Bangladesh were established to empower the underprivileged community by ensuring their access to TVET programs, particularly in rural areas. Although equitable access to these TVET programs has been prioritized, there is undeniable evidence of a significant and widespread discrepancy in access to TVET. In this context, this study aims to determine what obstacles prevent equal access to TTC's TVET programs. The study also investigated the reasons associated with student unemployment after completing TVET training from TTC Bangladesh. Additionally, it also investigated the impediments to integrate modern technology in the TVET training program provided by TTC. Methodologically, this study followed a qualitative paradigm. Twenty participants were selected purposively from TVET policymakers, administrators, and trainers, and they were agreed to be interviewed provided that their identities were not disclosed. An in-depth semi structured interview technique was adopted for data collection to explore their perspectives on student enrollment issues in TVET programs offered by TTC. The thematic analysis procedure was used to analyze the interview data. The results obtained based on empirical data show that barriers to training of trainees in TVET institutes are mainly divided into three categories: i) barriers to entry of trainees in TVET training, ii) unemployment of trainees after training iii) barriers to use of modern technology in TVET training. Themes related to students’ unemployment, and barriers to the use of modern technology were also identified. The study concludes with an impact for TVET policymakers and administrators that will help ensure better and equal access for all potential students, provide employment at the end of the training or eliminate unemployment, and acquire knowledge of modern technology.