Effectiveness of Traditional and Competency Based Curricula: Perspective of Graduates, Trainers and Employers

Abstract

Traditional training system of TVET sector is focusing on traditional procedures of learning and is based on the numbering system. Such old fashioned procedures and the numbering system are producing certificate holders who do not have proper skills to complete the tasks independently in a professional manner as per the requirements of the industry. Traditional training is not paying focus on the competency oriented workforce in Pakistan. To meet rapid technological changes and need of modern era, the approach of the TVET sector is now shifting from traditional training to Competency Based Training (CBT). The purpose of this study is to make an innovative effort in the Pakistani context, identify the perceptions of employers and graduates about traditional training and CBT programs. This study falls in the interpretivism paradigm. Phenomenological research design was utilized to conduct this study. 10 TVET trainers, 10 TVET graduates of traditional training, 10 TVET graduates of CBT and 10 employers selected through convenient sampling. Semi structured interviews were conducted from employers, trainers and both types of graduates. Thematic analysis was used for to draw the results. Results showed that graduates of competency based training programs are more competent than that of traditional training program and the employers are comparatively more satisfied with graduates of the CBT program. TVET sector should develop the curriculum according to the current demand of the industry and implement the curriculum effectively by updating the labs for the TVET graduates for better job opportunities in the industry. It is also proposed that TVET sector should shift its educational institutes from traditional training to CBT approach to meet the needs of the labour market for employers’ satisfaction. Furthermore, research should be conducted to explore the challenges and their solutions of training provided in TVET sector and its assessment to meet the level of competency satisfaction to meet labour market needs.