By: Lolly Sowe
The Minister of Higher Education Research Science and Technology has said it is his Ministry’s mandate to develop skills in The Gambia and that the University of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology (USET) has developed a strategic plan and policy on Technical, Vocational and Educational Training (TVET).
Prof. Priere Gomez was recently speaking in an interview with Gambia Daily in which he said they have started planning and rolling out activities for the regionalisation of TVET centres, and programmes to the regions.
He added that earlier this month work has started on the TVET multipurpose centres in different areas like Kuntaur and Wassu, saying that it will be an agric business as it is part of the objectives to provide people with the right skills in agriculture.
“Current industry skills are the knowledge skills and experience required by TVET trainers and assessors and those who provide training and assessment under supervision to ensure that their training and assessment is based on current industry practices and meets the needs of industry” Minister Gomez noted.
He added that people are as well engaging into entrepreneurship, working with the skills industry on ensuring that their programmes respond to the needs and inspirations of the skills industry.
It has, for some time now, been established that Africa has great penitential and extensive resources. Experts persistently predict a great economic growth phase for the continent in the upcoming future.
The minister said GTTI is being transformed into University of Applied Science and Technology and that the construction will start in Brikama and it will last for 18 months. This project he said will help them produce home grown engineers, mechanical engineers, civil engineers and electronic engineers for the first time in Gambian history.
“The project skills industry examines the critical factors that help or hinder vocational skills development programmes to effectively contribute to inclusive industrial growth and transforming in developing countries”.