-First-ever education Institute to obtain NVQ Level 6 status for Pearson BTEC Level 5 HND program-
SLT-MOBITEL’s Training Center (SLTTC) has achieved a remarkable milestone as the first ever Sri Lankan education Institute to obtain the NVQ Level 6 equivalent status for a Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma program from the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission (TVEC).
An agreement between SLTTC and TVEC was signed recently with Kiththi Perera, Chief Executive Office of SLT and Dr. K. A. Lalithadheera, Director General of TVEC as signatories confirming that the Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma (Electrical & Electronic Engineering) program conducted at SLT Training Centre, Welisara is now on par with the NVQ Level 6 status.
Commenting the agreement, Kiththi Perera, CEO SLT said, “We are extremely pleased that the SLTTC offered Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma is now equivalent to NVQ Level 6 and the first education institute to be trailblazer. This status provides an unprecedented opportunity for our employees and students to gain access to meaningful and sustainable jobs in emerging market.”
This is a significant achievement for the SLT-MOBITEL as it will provide a greater incentive for employees who possess NVQ 4 i.e., the Technician grade – A15 to A11 to obtain the certification and be qualified to Telecommunication Technical Officer (TTO), Grade 9. Moreover, Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma Holders are now eligible for TTO recruitment in compliance with the company’s recruitment and promotion scheme.
While employees’ children who do not possess O/L qualifications can obtain the NVQ Level 4 qualification and thereafter proceed to the NVQ 6 qualification. For SLTTC the status is a significant milestone in its journey to become a world class training institution.
Additionally, the agreement will enable students who complete their Pearson BTEC Electrical and Electronics Diploma, access to enter the professional job market and seek lucrative careers as the NVQ 6 status a Higher Diploma is a national standard recognised nationally and internationally.
Elaborating, Dr. Ajith Polwatte, PhD, Director – Planning & Research, Director (NVQ) covering up, TVEC stated, “TVEC is delighted to grant the NVQ level 6 equivalent status after a formal evaluation of Pearson HND program in Electronics Technology delivered by the SLT Welisara Training Centre operated by Sri Lanka Telecom PLC. This historic move will benefit young persons who follow Electronic Technology to obtain a qualification recognized by the Government of Sri Lanka. Also, those employed at Sri Lanka Telecom will obtain a chance to follow a quality assured diploma course and secure more employment prospects.”
Issuing a message, Jane Baker Vice President, Pearson said “I congratulate Sri Lanka Telecom Training Centre – SLTTC on achieving NVQ Level 6 status for BTEC Level 5 Higher National Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission – TVEC. This is a significant milestone for SLTTC and Pearson. I understand that along with this recognition there will be many employees of Sri Lanka Telecom who stand to benefit from an internationally benchmarked qualification.”
Established in 1991, TVEC is committed to maintaining an efficient and effective technical education and vocational training system catering to the human resource developmental needs of the nation. SLTTC as the education arm of SLT-MOBITEL offers a wide range of programmes including the world-recognised Pearson BTEC HND in Electrical and Electronics Engineering. Upon completion of the 24-months programme, students can obtain the internationally recognized Pearson qualification and also gain eligibility to enrol into the BEng (Hons) Engineering Degrees.