Technical Education Review TVET, economy and sustainable development

Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) has long been recognized as a key driver of economic growth and sustainable development. TVET programs provide individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the modern economy, while also helping to bridge the gap between education and employment. In this paper, the literature was reviewed on the role of TVET in promoting sustainable development and economic growth, with a focus on its potential to address issues of poverty, inequality, and unemployment. The challenges and opportunities facing TVET systems were also discussed in different countries, and provide recommendations for policy makers seeking to support the development and expansion of TVET programs.


INTRODUCTION
Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) refers to educational and training programs that focus on providing students with practical skills and knowledge that are relevant to specific trades, occupations, or vocations.TVET programs typically include a mix of classroom instruction, hands-on training, and experiential learning opportunities, and may be offered at the secondary, post-secondary, or higher education level.These programs are designed to prepare students for careers in a wide range of fields, including manufacturing, construction, engineering, and healthcare, hospitality, and information technology.TVET programs are often seen as an important means of providing individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to enter the workforce and succeed in their chosen careers [African Union, Strategy to Revitalize Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Africa, Meeting of the Bureau of the Conference of Ministers of Education of the African Union (COMEDAF II+) 29th -31st May 2007; Pavlova, 2009].
Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) plays a crucial role in promoting economic development and sustainable development.Here are a few ways in which TVET can contribute to these goals: 1) TVET provides individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to enter the workforce and be productive members of society.This helps to increase labour productivity and competitiveness, which can drive economic growth and development (Kibet and Kibet, 2019).2) TVET programs can help to address skills shortages and mismatches in the labour market, which can lead to increased employment and economic opportunities for individuals and communities (Kibet and Kibet, 2019).
3) TVET can help to improve social mobility and reduce poverty by providing disadvantaged individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to access better-paying jobs and improve their economic prospects (Kibet and Kibet, 2019).4) TVET programs can also contribute to sustainable development by helping to train individuals in trades and occupations that are in demand in the green economy, such as renewable energy and sustainable agriculture.This can help to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and promote environmentally-sustainable practices (Paryono, 2017a).5) TVET can also promote gender equality by providing women and men with equal access to education and training opportunities, which can help to reduce genderbased barriers to employment and improve economic opportunities for all (Fien et al., 2010).
The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between TVET, economy, and sustainable development.Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) plays a vital role in the economy and sustainable development.
TVET is a type of education and training that focuses on providing students with the practical skills and knowledge needed to perform a specific trade or occupation.This type of education is often seen as an alternative to traditional academic education, and it can be useful for those who want to enter the workforce immediately after completing their education.In terms of the economy, TVET can contribute to economic growth and development by providing a skilled workforce.When individuals have the necessary skills and training to perform a specific job, they can be more productive and contribute to the overall economic growth of a country.In addition, TVET can help to reduce unemployment and underemployment by providing individuals with the skills they need to find work in their chosen field.
TVET can also play a role in sustainable development by helping to promote social and economic inclusion.By providing individuals with the skills they need to enter the workforce, TVET can help to reduce poverty and improve the standard of living for those who may have otherwise been unable to find work.In addition, TVET can contribute to the development of a green economy by providing individuals with the skills and training needed to work in environmentally-friendly industries and technologies (Maclean et al., 2013;Rosenberg et al., 2020;Lotz-Sisitka et al., 2017).1) TVET programs provide individuals with the practical skills and knowledge they need to enter the workforce and be productive members of society.This helps to Ogur 13 increase labour productivity and competitiveness, which can drive economic growth and development.
2) TVET can help to address skills shortages and mismatches in the labour market, which can lead to increased employment and economic opportunities for individuals and communities.When there is a sufficient supply of skilled workers, businesses can operate more efficiently and effectively, which can drive economic growth (Pavlova, 2014).
3) TVET programs can also help to foster innovation and entrepreneurship by providing individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to start and grow their own businesses.This can create new economic opportunities and contribute to economic growth (Pavlova, 2014).4) TVET can also help to improve social mobility and reduce poverty by providing disadvantaged individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to access betterpaying jobs and improve their economic prospects.This can help to reduce income inequality and contribute to more inclusive economic growth (Pavlova, 2014).5) TVET programs can also contribute to the development of a highly skilled labour force by providing ongoing professional development and training opportunities for existing workers.This can help to keep workers up-todate with the latest industry trends and technologies, which can improve their productivity and competitiveness (Ervasti and Kupila, 2013).
There are many examples of successful technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programs that have contributed to economic development in various countries around the world.Germany has a welldeveloped and highly respected TVET system that emphasizes practical, hands-on training and close collaboration between schools and industry.The German TVET system has been credited with helping to create a highly skilled and productive labour force, which has contributed to the country's economic success.Japan has a long tradition of emphasizing vocational education and training and has a well-developed system of technical schools and vocational colleges that provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the workforce.The Japanese TVET system has played a key role in the country's economic growth and development (Devine, 2020).
Singapore has a highly developed and successful TVET system that emphasizes close collaboration between schools, industry, and government.The Singaporean TVET system has helped to create a skilled and adaptable labour force, which has contributed to the country's economic growth and competitiveness.Switzerland has a well-developed and highly respected TVET system that emphasizes practical, hands-on training and close collaboration between schools and industry.The Swiss TVET system has been credited with helping to create a highly skilled and productive labour force, which has contributed to the country's economic success (Renold et al., 2016).
Australia has a well-developed TVET system that includes a range of vocational education and training programs that are delivered by both public and private providers.The Australian TVET system has helped to create a skilled and adaptable labour force, which has contributed to the country's economic growth and development (Kanwar et al., 2019).
There are several challenges and barriers to the effective implementation of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programs for economic development (Mao et al., 2016):

Funding
One of the main challenges facing TVET programs is a lack of adequate funding.Many TVET programs struggle to secure sufficient resources to cover the costs of instructional materials, equipment, faculty salaries, and other expenses (Paryono, 2017b).

Quality
Ensuring the quality of TVET programs can be a challenge, particularly in developing countries where resources may be limited.Quality issues can include inadequate facilities and equipment, untrained or poorly qualified instructors, and a lack of industry engagement (Paryono, 2017b).

Relevance
Another challenge is ensuring that TVET programs are relevant to the needs of the labour market and that they provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen careers.This requires close collaboration between schools, industry, and government to ensure that TVET programs are responsive to changing economic and labour market needs (Caves et al., 2021).

Access
Many individuals, particularly in developing countries, face barriers to accessing TVET programs, including financial barriers, geographic barriers, and cultural barriers.Ensuring that TVET programs are accessible to all members of society is an important challenge (Pavlova, 2014).

Stigma
In many societies, vocational education and training is often viewed as a less desirable option compared to a traditional university education.This can lead to a stigma surrounding TVET programs, which can make it difficult to attract and retain high-quality students and faculty (Schröder, 2019).

TVET and sustainable development (Chitewere, 2017)
Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) can contribute to sustainable development by promoting green skills and environmental awareness in several ways.Some examples include: 1) TVET programs can teach students about sustainable practices and technologies in fields such as renewable energy, eco-friendly construction, and sustainable agriculture.This can help to create a workforce that is equipped with the skills and knowledge to contribute to the transition to a more sustainable economy.
2) TVET programs can also focus on teaching students about environmental conservation and the importance of preserving natural resources.This can help to raise awareness about the importance of sustainability and encourage students to adopt environmentally-friendly practices in their personal and professional lives.
3) By providing practical, hands-on training, TVET programs can help students to develop the skills and knowledge needed to work in green industries or to start their own environmentally-conscious businesses.This can help to drive the growth of the green economy and contribute to the transition to a more sustainable society.
There are many examples of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programs that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Some examples include:

Renewable energy
TVET programs that focus on teaching students about renewable energy technologies, such as solar panels and wind turbines, can contribute to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) by helping to create a workforce that is equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to support the transition to renewable energy sources.

Sustainable agriculture
TVET programs that teach students about sustainable farming practices, such as permaculture and agroforestry, can contribute to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by helping to create a workforce that is equipped to produce food in an environmentally-friendly and sustainable way.

Eco-friendly construction
TVET programs that teach students about sustainable construction practices, such as the use of recycled materials and energy-efficient design, can contribute to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by helping to create a workforce that is equipped to build in a way that is environmentally-friendly and sustainable.

Environmental conservation
TVET programs that teach students about environmental conservation and the importance of preserving natural resources can contribute to SDG 15 (Life on Land) by raising awareness about the importance of sustainability and encouraging students to adopt environmentallyfriendly practices in their personal and professional lives.
There are several challenges and barriers to the integration of sustainable development principles in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programs.Some of these challenges include:

Limited resources
TVET programs often have limited resources, including funding and staff, which can make it difficult to integrate sustainable development principles into their curricula and operations (UNESCO, 2021).

Limited awareness
Many stakeholders within the TVET sector, including students, teachers, and policymakers, may have limited awareness about the importance of sustainability and the role that TVET can play in promoting sustainable development (Pavlova, 2014).

Limited alignment with industry needs
Some TVET programs may not be aligned with the needs of industries that are focused on sustainability, which can make it difficult for students to find employment in these sectors (UNESCO, 2015; Green Skills Inc., https://greenskills.org.au/(accessed 10th October 2022).

Limited collaboration with other sectors
TVET programs may not have strong connections with other sectors, such as the private sector or civil society, which can make it difficult to incorporate sustainable development principles into their operations and curricula (UNESCO, 2015; Green Skills Inc., https://greenskills.org.au/(accessed 10th October 2022).

Limited access to quality training
In some cases, TVET programs may not have The Green Skills program aims to build the skills and knowledge of workers in the clean energy and sustainability sectors, with a focus on meeting the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).It provides training and education in areas such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, and waste management.
The program has several key features that contribute to its success in promoting both economic development and sustainable development.First, it is demand-driven, meaning it is designed to meet the specific needs of employers in the clean energy and sustainability sectors.This helps to ensure that the skills and knowledge developed through the program are relevant and indemand in the job market, which can help to increase employment opportunities for program graduates.
Second, the Green Skills program focuses on building the capacity of SMEs to adopt clean energy and sustainability practices.This not only helps to promote the use of clean energy and sustainability practices in these companies, but also supports the overall economic development of the region by helping these businesses to grow and thrive.
Finally, the program also has a strong focus on sustainability, with a goal of helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the environment.This aligns with the principles of sustainable development and helps to ensure that the program is contributing to a more sustainable future for all.
There is evidence that the Green Skills program has had a positive impact on both economic development and sustainable development in Australia.
In terms of economic development, the program has contributed to the growth and development of the clean energy and sustainability sectors in Australia, which has created employment opportunities for program graduates (Green Skills Inc., https://greenskills.org.au/(accessed 10th October 2022).According to the Australian government, the clean energy sector has experienced strong growth in recent years, with employment in the sector increasing by more than 20% between 2015 and 2019.The Green Skills program has played a role in building the skilled workforce needed to support this growth (Green Skills Inc., https://greenskills.org.au/(accessed 10th October 2022).
In terms of sustainable development, the program has helped to promote the adoption of clean energy and sustainability practices in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which has contributed to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the protection of the environment.In addition, the program has focused on building the capacity of SMEs to adopt these practices, which has helped to ensure that these businesses are able to continue to operate in a sustainable manner over the long term.
There are several lessons that can be learned from the Green Skills program and best practices that other TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) programs can follow:

Demand-driven approach
The Green Skills program was designed to meet the specific needs of employers in the clean energy and sustainability sectors, which helped to ensure that the skills and knowledge developed through the program were relevant and in-demand in the job market.Other TVET programs should consider adopting a similar demand-driven approach to ensure that the skills and knowledge they provide are relevant to the needs of the local job market.

Focus on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
The Green Skills program focused on building the capacity of SMEs to adopt clean energy and sustainability practices, which not only helped to promote the use of these practices in these companies, but also supported the overall economic development of the region by helping these businesses to grow and thrive.Other TVET programs should consider how they can support the growth and development of SMEs in their regions.

Sustainability focus
The Green Skills program had a strong focus on sustainability, with a goal of helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the environment.Other TVET programs should consider how they can promote sustainable development and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Partnerships with industry, education and training providers, and community organizations
The Green Skills program was developed in partnership with industry, education and training providers, and community organizations.This helped to ensure that the program was relevant and responsive to the needs of the local job market and community.Other TVET programs should consider developing similar partnerships to ensure that they are able to meet the needs of the local job market and community.

Conclusion
This paper has discussed the role of TVET in promoting economic development and sustainable development.It has addressed the importance of a demand-driven approach to TVET, which ensures that the skills and knowledge provided are relevant to the needs of the local job market.In addition, the role of TVET in supporting the growth and development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has been highlighted including the importance of sustainability in TVET and the role of TVET in promoting clean energy and sustainability practices and the benefits of partnerships between TVET programs, industry, education and training providers, and community organizations in promoting economic development and sustainable development.In the case study presented on the Green Skills program in Australia has exhibited a successful TVET program that has contributed to both economic development and sustainable development with important implications for policy and practice in the promotion of TVET for economic development and sustainable development.
There are several areas where further research on TVET, economy, and sustainable development could be valuable: 1) Evaluating the impact of TVET programs on economic development and sustainable development: More research is needed to understand the specific ways in which TVET programs contribute to economic development and sustainable development, as well as the factors that contribute to the success or failure of these programs in promoting these outcomes.2) Developing best practices for TVET programs: Further research could help to identify the key features of successful TVET programs that contribute to economic development and sustainable development, and provide guidance on how these best practices can be replicated in other contexts.
3) Exploring the role of TVET in promoting the transition to a green economy: As the world transitions to a lowcarbon, sustainable future, TVET programs have an important role to play in building the skilled workforce needed to support this transition.Research could help to identify the specific skills and knowledge needed for the green economy, and how TVET programs can best support the development of these skills.4) Examining the role of TVET in promoting gender equality and inclusion: TVET programs have the potential to promote gender equality and inclusion by providing opportunities for marginalized groups to access education and training.Research could explore the specific ways in which TVET programs can support the empowerment of women and other marginalized groups.
Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) plays a crucial role in the development of a skilled labour force, which can contribute to economic growth in several ways: