In a significant advancement for technical education, students who have completed or are currently enrolled in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs as elective subjects in schools can now apply for credit transfers to Technical Training Institutes (TTIs) for official certification.
The credit transfer system allows academic credits earned at one institution to be applied toward degree requirements at another, facilitating a smoother and more efficient educational journey for students pursuing technical fields.
Sangay Dorji, the officiating director of the Department of Workforce Planning and Skills Development, highlighted the initiative’s potential to enhance educational continuity and skill development. “This mechanism is aimed at promoting TVET, encouraging students, and providing career pathways for those in school who are taking up TVET,” Dorji explained.
Under the new system, every hour students dedicate to TVET electives will be recognized and eligible for transfer to TTIs. Previously, the absence of such a mechanism meant that students had to restart their certification process at TTIs, a requirement that was both time-consuming and often discouraging.
“The lack of a credit transfer system was a major barrier for students considering TVET programs,” noted the principal of one of the pilot TVET schools. “With this reform, we are quite positive that the number of students taking up TVET will increase.”
Since 2020, seven pilot schools across the country—including Bayling, Rangjung, Chumey, Punakha Central Schools, Khuruthang, Babesa Middle Secondary Schools, and Bajothang Higher Secondary School—have been offering TVET as an elective. These institutions provide courses in electrical work and welding, with Bajothang Higher Secondary School uniquely offering an automobile course.
The introduction of the credit transfer mechanism is a cornerstone of recent TVET curriculum reforms. Dorji emphasized that the framework for this system was fully developed only last year, preventing its immediate rollout alongside the elective curriculum. “Integrating TVET courses, which are based on an NC2 level curriculum, with general education posed challenges for certification,” he stated. “This makes credit transfer important because to complete the course for certification students have to go to TTI and we don’t want our children to just spend time in TVET courses in school without their hours being recognised.”
Unlike traditional general education, where students must complete an entire academic year regardless of their interest, the TVET curriculum operates on an hourly basis. “This means the time students invest in their TVET courses will now be valued,” Dorji added. “We want to ensure that every hour spent learning translates into credit, helping students advance in their technical education.”
The new credit transfer pathway not only streamlines the certification process but also reinforces the government’s commitment to enhancing vocational training and expanding career opportunities for young learners. As schools and institutes adapt to this new system, the education sector anticipates a significant rise in TVET participation, ultimately contributing to a more skilled and versatile workforce.
