Historical Evolution of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Bangladesh: A Comprehensive Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54536/ajet.v4i4.5648Keywords:
Education Policy, Labor Market, NSDP, NTVQF, Skills Development, Technical Education, TVET History, Vocational TrainingAbstract
The study provided a historical analysis of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Bangladesh, investigating development from pre-colonial to post-independence period as well as the existing policies. The aim was to review the evolution of the health institutions, policy processes, and externally funded interventions that influence the sector. This study used a qualitative historical research method based on government reports, policy papers, academic publications and international agency archives. Using thematic analysis key phases in TVET development were recognized, including the emergence of early trade schools and their post-independence expansion as well as the more recent move to competency-based training. The study also demonstrates important impacts of programs like the TVET Reform Project, Skills 21, SEIP, STEP and SUDOKKHO in increasing accessibility, industry engagement and curriculum quality. Yet key challenges in Pakistan continue such as weak teaching force, gender gaps and governance fragmentation. This is the unique contribution provided by the study, which synthesizes a combination of historical and institutional contexts shaping how policy reform had been adopted or not and donor engagement in the process but also local implementation. Using secondary data from a large nationally representative household and TVET provider survey, the study aims to provide directions to policymakers in Bangladesh for future sustainable, gender-inclusive, and market-responsive TVET strategies.
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