Traditional and Transitional TVET Systems

Human ingenuity, supported by an instinctive urge to explore and learn, manifests itself in dynamic creativity. It transforms itself into a mechanism for transferring ‘acquired’ knowledge and accumulated experience to future generations. The whole process of acquisition and evolution of knowledge and its transfer is covered by the term ‘education’. It also covers various transitions, reforms and adaptations that are taking place more frequently in the current context. The fast pace of development is driving even ‘established’ societies to conduct a process of continuous review and reforms. With respect to technical and vocational education and training (TVET), throughout the world countries are constantly trying to adapt it to a new economic and social order. However, whatever is transitional today may become a tradition in times to come, and something that had been a tradition may again find a place in transitional and futuristic systems. Tradition need not be discarded without scrutiny; similarly, transition cannot be delayed or deferred. Yet, it needs to be viewed and discussed in the local context with in-built reference to the global scenario. It is relevant to carry out an overview of the manner in which education systems evolved in different societies. For the purpose of this chapter, the focus will be on TVET systems.