TVET Saudi Arabia A Fresh Approach

John KerrDirector

Alphaplus Consultancy

TVET

• What is TVET and why does it matter?

• ‘OECD countries cannot compete on labor costs. That means a highly skilled labor force with a range of technical and professional skills not only those with a university education is needed to sustain economic development.’

OECD 2012

Saudi Skills Standards

• A new body whose objective is to ensure confidence in technical and applied skills training in the Kingdom.

2 pronged approachColleges of Excellence to bring in new international training providers;• 36 new colleges by September 2014Saudi Skills Standards to develop;• Fit for purpose qualifications derived from National Occupation Skills

Standards (NOSS)• External Assessment • Inspection and review

Saudi Skills Standards- AssessmentA strategic and deliberate move away from ‘input’ to ‘output’ related learning.

Fair but rigorous assessment builds confidence in the qualifications from;• Employers• Training providers• Learners

Saudi Skills Standards- AssessmentChallenges of vocational assessment

• How do you ensure both skills and knowledge are assessed?• How do you achieve reliability and validity?• How can you scale effectively?• How do you ensure that assessment is balanced with curriculum and pedagogy?• How do you ensure assessment is cost effective and deliverable?

Examples • Canada- Red Top Apprenticeships • UK- Edge Hotel School• Australia - Electrical Engineering testing

Saudi Skills Standards

Innovative approach from Saudi Skills Standards• Develop NOSS prioritised on proven demand from employers• Build Unit based Qualifications from the NOSS• Develop fit for purpose assessments using the latest technology

1. Knowledge based Tests delivered though computer based tests2. Capstone skills assessment3. E Portfolio to ensure skills coverage across all the units

Saudi Skills Standards – Case StudyWelding

• NOSS developed from international subject matter experts reviewing best practice in UK, Australia and New Zealand and consulting with large Saudi employers on the standards they wish new employees to be able to achieve • 1 year Associate Diploma and 1 year Diploma with common Foundation year to

assess English and IT skills• 60 question computer based assessments on the underpinning knowledge plus a 6

hour practical skills test undertaken at end of year to assess the underlining skills• Training in place to ‘train the trainer’ in assessment, internal verification and

external verification processes

Saudi Skills Standards- AssessmentChallenges

• TechnologyThe cost of delivering tests and assessment is small but careful adaptation to local market is complex and needs careful planning on the ground.• ImplementationQualification systems have to work right first time and every time to ensure confidence. • Image More awareness raising needed on the importance and status of technical training.

Saudi Skills Standards

Thank you

John KerrAlphaplus Consultancy