KATHMANDU: The Kathmandu University School of Education (KUSOED) has launched Master’s degree program focusing on technical education and vocational training. Kathmandu University has pioneered the academic program in technical education and vocational training sector in the South Asia, claimed Prof Dr Mahensh Nath Parajuli, Dean of Kathmandu University School of Education (KUSOED).

It may be noted that the government had announced to develop a technical institute in each local level so as to expand technical education and training in the country. The government has floated a plan to set up technical institute in all 753 local governments.

Likewise, the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT) has a wider network of over 600 constituent and affiliated institutions across the country. Keeping this in mind the academic program was launched to produce competent human resource who can take lead in the area of technical education and vocational training, Prof Parajuli added. “We took up our responsibility to address growing need of the country through academic interventions”, he said, calling for local governments to integrate the priority to their annual policy, plan and program. Prof Dr Tankanath Sharma, former Dean and CTEVT expert said, “The program is expected to be a milestone to produce human resource with leadership qualities for designing and delivering technical education and training in Nepal”.

As CTEVT is the country’s priority this course will help bridge gap between industrial sector and graduates of higher level institutions and address the current concerns of employment, argued Dr Prakash Chandra Bhattarai, department head of KUSOED Development Studies.

Likewise, Dr Usha Bhandari, TEVT expert viewed, “The master’s degree program in technical education and vocational training will produce planners, managers and specialized human resources required in the field”. KU sources said that it would also offer scholarships to pursuing students in definite number in the academic programme of CTEVT.