The Pearson BTEC Higher Education Forum 2024 was held on the 23rd of October 2024 at the Lotus Ballroom, Shangri-La Colombo, where British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, His Excellency Andrew Patrick, was the Chief Guest. Hosted by Pearson UK to honour excellence amongst higher education institutions offering Pearson BTEC qualifications, the annual event is a calendar highlight for Sri Lanka’s higher education sector. The forum brought together top-performing Pearson-approved BTEC centres from across the country, celebrating their commitment to delivering high-quality learning experiences leading to internationally-recognised Pearson BTEC qualifications. The occasion also served as an important opportunity for networking among key leaders in the higher education sector.
The forum witnessed several Pearson-approved BTEC centres being awarded Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze rankings, alongside special awards that acknowledged their outstanding performances throughout 2023. The accolades recognised both academic success and the respective institutions’ unwavering commitment to providing top-tier education. This year’s Pearson BTEC Higher Education Forum was also particularly significant as it coincided with Pearson marking 50 years of dedicated service in Sri Lanka, including over 25 years of offering BTEC qualifications.
His Excellency Andrew Patrick, High Commissioner UK in Sri Lanka addressing the gathering, emphasised the strong relationship between the UK and Sri Lanka in the field of education, “Sri Lanka proudly stands as Pearson’s second-largest international market for BTEC qualifications, reflecting the strong educational ties between our two nations. For over 25 years, more than 100,000 students from over 40 institutions across the Island have benefitted from BTEC’s unique 2+1 model, offering an affordable route to a UK top-up degree. These diverse qualifications, spanning fields from Business and Engineering to Fashion Design and Psychology, are shaping Sri Lanka’s future workforce, equipping graduates with the practical skills needed to excel in today’s global economy. I am pleased to say that, through platforms such as BTEC, the warm friendship between our two countries is helping open doors and create opportunities.”
Premila Paulraj, Director Employability & Qualifications, Pearson South Asia added, “By choosing Pearson BTEC Qualifications, Sri Lankan students position themselves for higher education opportunities and enhance their employability in diverse sectors. This pathway not only empowers individuals to achieve their career goals but also contributes to the growth of a skilled workforce in the nation. I thank our valued partner institutions for supporting Pearson and the learners in this endeavor”
Pearson BTEC qualifications have long been regarded as a vital pathway for students seeking globally recognised degrees. These qualifications, aligned with the UK’s Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ), have helped countless students achieve their academic ambitions, offering a cost-effective route to a UK bachelor’s degree. Students have the option of completing their degree either in Sri Lanka or through transfers to the UK, reflecting the international recognition and value of Pearson BTEC certifications. For over 25 years, Pearson BTEC has played a critical role in shaping the future of students in Sri Lanka, opening doors to opportunities both locally and internationally.
Suriya Bibile – Deputy General Manager for Pearson in Sri Lanka and the Maldives also shared his thoughts saying, “The BTEC framework is uniquely positioned to offer students not just academic knowledge but also the practical skills needed for real-world applications. Year 2023 saw another phenomenal year for BTEC centres in Sri Lanka. The market grew significantly, meaning more students opted to take the BTEC pathway to meet their academic and career goals. The growth of our BTEC International Level 3 was noteworthy.
In addition to celebrating the achievements of Pearson-approved BTEC centres, the forum also highlighted the broader impact of BTEC qualifications in the country. BTEC Higher National Diplomas, for example, are recognised for their focus on applied learning, helping students develop practical, interpersonal, and critical thinking skills. These qualifications are highly sought after by both employers and academic institutions, in the UK and elsewhere, providing a seamless pathway to employment or further study. Pearson BTEC qualifications cater to a wide range of learners, from those taking their first steps into employment to those seeking to enhance their career prospects through further education.