Frankadua (E/R), Feb. 22, GNA - The Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (COTVET) is developing a National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and Policy on Recognition of prior Learnin= g for Ghana. This is to ensure coherence in the issuing of national qualification= s for skills development and apprenticeship. Mr. Daniel Baffour Awuah, Executive Director of COTVET, made the announcement at the inauguration of two dormitory blocks and water supply=

system for the Baptist Vocational Training Centre, at Frankdua in the Eastern Region on Friday. The project was funded by American Baptist Churches of Massachusetts= at a cost of 162,000 dollars. Mr. Awuah said the NQF that would be pursued in phases, sought to establish interrelationships of qualifications and progression from one level to another across vocational and academic fields. He said there was currently no system of credit transfer or formal linkage between apprenticeships and national qualifications. Mr. Awuah said the technical committee constituted by COTVET to harmonize competency based training, has presented its report to the COTV= ET Board. He explained that the final report borne out of a national harmonization workshop for stakeholders would be presented to the COTVET Board next month for final approval. Mr. Awuah said a major challenge of the New Education Reform was tha= t technical and vocational training "is not aligned with the economy and it= is not fully meeting the demands of either formal or informal (self employme= nt) opportunities."

He said some aspects of technical and vocational training were out of touch with the needs of formal industry, its curriculum outdated while it=

lacked tools and equipment while many instructors have little knowledge o= f needs of industries. Mr. Awuah said consequently, many industries preferred to train thei= r own personnel.