Plans to expand TVET for Grade 12 graduates to pursue further studies

The Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD) is prioritizing the transformation of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system to absorb the rest of the Grade 12 graduates.

Yeezang De Thapa, shared that the Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) currently admits approximately 2,600 students annually across its eleven colleges, including two private institutions.

She shared that only 20 percent of Grade 12 pass out are absorbed, 15 percent study abroad or within the country on their own expense, and the rest 65 percent are left without being able to pursue further studies.

There were efforts, in the past, to expand intake of high school graduates, which later led to overcrowding, strained resources, poor education quality, and higher college graduate unemployment, thus highlighting the need for a balanced approach.

MoESD aims to expand TVET capacity to accommodate up to 60 percent of Grade 10 and 12 graduates by the end of the 13^th Five-Year-Plan (FYP), focusing on equipping the youth with skills aligned to Bhutan’s economic and development needs.

Lyonpo Yeezang De Thapa said, “One of the key strategies involves upgrading Technical Training Institutes (TTIs) into vocational colleges offering advanced programs in areas such as digital technologies, sustainable construction, and creative industries.”

She emphasized that curricula are being innovated to include competencies in Industry 4.0 fields like artificial intelligence, robotics, and green technologies.

These reforms would cater to diverse interests, including tailored programs for Arts stream graduates in fields such as media, cultural entrepreneurship, and design.

To incorporate global best practices into Bhutan’s vocational training system, MoESD is pursuing international partnerships with institutions in Singapore, Switzerland, Korea, India, and Germany.

She claimed that the TVET institutes will be geared towards supporting projects under the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), where advanced skills in construction, digital innovation, and climate-resilient practices will be in high demand.

The ministry aims to enroll up to 7,100 Gyalsung graduates annually into the TVET system by the end of the 13^th FYP, and also use the Gyalsung training facilities during off-periods to reskill and upskill an additional 2,000 youths annually consisting of programs for certifications, diplomas, and degrees.

MoESD is prioritizing the transformation of Bhutan’s TVET system. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2024 and the Skilling Roadmap for the 13^th FYP is envisioning to make TVET an attractive and accessible pathway for students.