Role Of Simulators In Technical Vocational Education And Training

Technical and Vocational Education and Training, also known as TVET, is defined by UNESCO and International Labour Organisation (ILO) as the process of acquiring practical skills, attitude and knowledge that makes people employable in various sectors of economic and social life. Educators have argued that the use of high fidelity training simulators are effective as learners become independent and can better control their learning. TVET encompasses a diverse range of training programs and courses designed to equip individuals with practical skills and knowledge relevant to specific industries like Mining & Construction, Aviation, Automotive and Logistics. The types of TVET can be categorised based on various factors such as the level of education, the nature of skills taught, and the target audience. Here are some common types of TVET:

• Formal TVET: Includes structured programs like apprenticeships and technical institutes, offering recognized qualifications.
• Informal TVET: Comprises workplace training and short courses, emphasising practical skills and trades.
• Technology- Enhanced TVET: Utilises AR and VR technology to simulate real-world environments for hands-on learning experiences.Several agencies like UNESCO, ILO, World Bank, NSDC, TESDA, Asian Development Bank and countries including Germany, Austria, Canada, Switzerland, Singapore, Indonesia, India South Korea, Finland, Japan, Netherlands and the United Kingdom are actively supporting and prioritising TVET.

Role Of TVET: Building Bridges in A Nation’s Economy

A nation’s economic development depends directly on combating unemployment and addressing skill gaps. The imbalance between skills demanded by industries and the workforce that possess the skills contribute to the high levels of unemployment and underemployment. To defeat this, there is an urgent need for targeted training programs, especially in TVET.

By aligning training with the industry demands, countries can cultivate a skilled workforce equipped with the expertise needed for diverse industries. This not only reduces unemployment rates but also fosters sustained economic growth by ensuring a workforce that meets the evolving needs of a dynamic and competitive global landscape.

However a new joint report of the World Bank, the ILO, and UNESCO points that the link between TVET systems and labour markets are broken. The causes were divided in three divisions:

1. Learners face financial constraints, limited access to labour market information, restrictive social norms, particularly impacting women.
2. TVET teachers often struggle with inadequate academic skills, lack of industry experience and limited career prospects, obstructing their capacity to deliver high-quality training and adversely impacting their delivery of high-quality training and practical skills in the labour market.
3. Weak incentives for TVET providers to align with labour market needs to continue, as the means to hold them responsible to learners remain limited.

Below are some industries that are facing skilled labour shortages and could benefit from implementation of TVET

•  Mining Industry :  While the growth in the mining sector confronts operational and maintenance challenges, the digital evolution of mining is accelerating  the industry’s skills gap. With experienced miners retiring and new entrants taking their place, there’s an urgent need to revamp training processes. Technical and Vocational Education can prepare the youth for careers in the mining industry by providing knowledge, practical skills and safety training while operating Heavy Earth Moving Equipment like Excavator , Dozer, Loader, Grader, Backhoe, Tippers.  TVET in Mining is essential as it prepares theyouth for the industry and its challenges and cultivates the candidate in compliance and safety and industry efficiency.
• Aviation Industry : With global passengers expecting to double in the next 20 years, Airlines, airports and ground handling companies need to practise effective cost control to maintain operations and meet consumer demand, while being profitable. In aviation, controlling operating costs is the key and this is only possible through training and development. TVET in aviation is tailored to provide practical skills and knowledge essential for the aviation industry. Areas such Aircraft pushback training, aircraft maintenance, cargo handling are covered to provide hands-on training on safety protocols and technological advancements. TVET in the aviation industry plays a vital role in producing skilled professionals that are important for safety and efficient functioning of the industry.
• Logistics Industry : Logistics companies are the backbone for industrial growth  facilitating the movement of goods from manufacturers to consumers. Rising transportation costs, labour shortage, skill gaps, warehousing are some of the challenges that the industry is facing worldwide. Investing in training and development programs for the workforce to bridge the skills gap is essential for developing a skilled workforce in the Logistics Sector that will contribute to the efficiency and sustainability of this sector. Vocational Education and training helps educate the candidates in driver training , vehicle maintenance, forklift operations, cargo loading. The programs train on practical skills, safety protocols and industry-specific knowledge.

Importance of Advanced Training Simulators in Technical and Vocational Education

Advanced Training Simulators play a vital role in TVET especially when it comes to remote learning or hands on training on practical skills. The acceptance of advanced technologies in the form of Virtual reality simulators have emerged as a solution to ensure the continuity of practical learning in TVET, mainly where on field learning opportunities are limited. These technologies, when integrated into a classroom-based environment, enable trainees to develop vocational skills by engaging in specific tasks such as operating heavy machinery, Vehicle maintenance  or learning to drive an articulated trailer.

Training Simulators offer a safe and controlled environment for trainees to learn at their own pace. This contributes to the acquiring of practical skills demanded by the labour market. As these technologies become common, integrating them into online and in-person learning boosts essential skills for learners of all ages providing practical alternatives and balanced work-based learning in TVET. With the rise of these advanced technologies, the market observes a substantial increase in use of training simulators in vocational education.

Exclusively in their effectiveness in addressing the challenges posed by the COVID-19, the potential for widespread adoption in TVET, with various countries and institutions already incorporating them to enhance teaching and learning experiences. Below is the list of countries that have implemented Training Simulators for TVET:

• Ukraine: With ILO’s support, 67000 TVET students benefited from virtual training simulators in four occupations, during COVID-19 by the Ministry of Education. These simulators enable the learners to virtually dive into the technical learning of power plants, sewing workshops, restaurants, hot shops, and car diagnostic service stations. The ILO project. “E-TVET” in Ukraine continues to function, facilitating access to the innovative learning methods and allowing students to safely and effectively adopt work procedures in a safe simulated work environment.
• Ethiopia: In a research conducted by the Ethiopia Federal TVET Institute, highlights the significance of AI in VET. Applying AI technologies like machine learning and natural language processing, the institute addresses its learners’ unique capabilities in areas like curriculum development, personalised learning, adaptive assessment, practical application and teacher training. AI ensures enhanced curriculum development aligning with industry demands, providing students with relevant and up-to-date training facilitating personalised learning tailored to individual needs. This helps ease the burden on teachers and allows support for learners requiring extra assistance in AI applications, thereby increasing employability.
• South Africa: The South African government invested over R2 billion in developing and refurbishing 16 TVET colleges that cater to individuals that don’t qualify for university. With 50 colleges and over 200 campuses across the country, these institutions offer diverse specialisations and job placement opportunities through private companies, government initiatives, and NGOs. Anglo American, a mining company, recently graduated 35 individuals from its ICT program. These graduates were provided training in fields like e-commerce, graphic designing, UI/UX, cloud computing and other various educational pathways that contribute to the supply market.
• Ghana: The Newmont Akyem Development Foundation (NAkDeF) is actively transforming the socio-economic strata in nine communities surrounding Newmont Aykem Mine. A recent study conducted showed a skill gap in mining and agricultural sectors. GIZ, Ghana, plays a significant role in addressing the skills gap through its Akyem Skills, entrepreneurship, and enterprise development program in collaboration with NAkDeF.  The initiative focuses on increasing employment opportunities for youth, with 35% female participation, providing them with vocational training and enterprise development. The institute offers practical and demand oriented TVET courses in plumbing, building and construction, electrical, welding and fabrication to prepare the local youth with employable skills for a stable life.
• Rwanda: The Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organisation for Vocational and Technical Education and Training introduced an innovative Welding Simulator powered by AR in Darussalam. A special training program was conducted on 13^th and 14^th June, 2023, involving welding instructors from both public and private sectors. The cutting-edge technology transformed welding training by allowing students and professionals to simulate real welding scenarios in a controlled and safe environment.
• India:  Companies like Tata, Vedanta, Jindal are investing in skill development and training. Organisations like NSDC have been set up to focus on bridging the skills gap between the industry and workforce . Simulation training is being used to train the youth of India in remote location and prepare them for real jobs in Mining, Driving and Logistics , Aviation and defence.

Enhancing TVET in India

India, with over 50% of its population under 30 years, is a significant number contributing to the global labour market. By adding 183 million people to the working age group of 15-64 years between 2020 and 2050. Recognised as one of the youngest nations globally, India faces the responsibility of leveraging the demographic advantage. As the country progresses towards a “knowledge economy”, policy makers must consider the opportunities for the ever growing youth population to acquire adaptable, flexible and analytical skills that are aligned with the evolving global and economic needs.

COVID-19 further disrupted the TVET system, posing a considerable challenge in shifting from traditional in-person training to digital training. This crisis has further accelerated the adoption of digital transformation, including increased dependency on e-commerce, digital payments, AI and educational technology.

As the world embraces Industry 4.0 (4IR) through ongoing digitization in various industries, it is crucial to incorporate measures for the continuous upskilling and reskilling of the workforce in emerging technologies. This should be implemented in India at different career stages to ensure that individuals stay updated on the latest developments in digital technologies.

Adaptations in TVET syllabus are necessary to align with the new-age skills, including automation, AI, block chain, simulation, and gamification. India requires to introduce industry-led TVET programs and incentive- linked initiatives to enhance workforce skills.

Tecknotrove has successfully designed and deployed customised simulation based training solutions in over 26 countries around the world for industries like  Aviation, Mining, Military and Defence, Emergency services, Logistics, Oil and Gas, Ports and Automotive. Tecknotrove helps its clients to identify their training gaps and address their most critical training needs through interactive VR and simulator solutions. With an experience of over 20 years in Simulation and VR training for over 1000 projects delivered, Tecknotrove continues to innovate their simulations.

To know more about how you can incorporate Training Simulators for Skill Development contact our team of experts in Vocational Training on  sales@tecknotrove.com