Skills policy seminars and study tours

Staying ahead of the game: TVET in a rapidly changing world

By Neil Shaw, Global Sector and Programme Lead, TVET 

The latest seminar in the British Council’s flagship UK TVET Policy Seminar series, ‘Staying ahead of the game: TVET in a rapidly changing world’  was held in June 2025 in Belfast. Hosted at two stunning college venues – Belfast Metropolitan’s Titanic Quarter campus, and Northern Region College’s brand new Causeway campus in Coleraine – the event brought together senior delegates from government, training and industry for four days of expert input, college and employer visits and the sharing of ideas, knowledge and experience. Twelve partner countries were represented at the seminar: Botswana, Ghana, Malawi, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Pakistan, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.

The theme encompassed a broad range of topics of critical relevance to the TVET sector globally, including rapid technological developments especially in the area of A.I, the climate crisis, inclusion, increasing globalisation – and at the same time a move in some countries to protectionism, changing demographics, conflict, increasing migration and shifting labour markets. The seminar sessions covered subjects as diverse as the increased emphasis on soft and green skills, the growing appetite for – and capacity to deliver – flexibility and personalisation in teaching and learning, the development of more sophisticated methods of measuring skills demands, the strengthening linkages between TVET and HE, and the internationalising of TVET.

The event showcased some of the brilliant work currently going on in TVET in Northern Ireland and some highlights for me were the Department of Economy’s Skills Barometer, the innovative work happening in the areas of sectoral partnerships, curriculum hubs and project-based learning, and the TVET sector’s response to social inclusion initiatives. A highpoint in our UK TVET policy seminars is often the employer visits and that was certainly the case in Northern Ireland, with fascinating visits excellently hosted by three widely contrasting employers: bus manufacturers, Wrightbus; veterinary pharmaceutical laboratories, Norbrook; and software company, Version 1. All three visits in their different ways provided insights into how companies are responding to and contributing to the rapidly changing world – and how they are working with TVET to do so.

The seminar provided great opportunities for the international delegates to meet with counterparts from the Northern Ireland TVET sector – and none greater than at the event’s networking reception in the magnificent Belfast City Hall, complete with local music. The relationships and partnerships that form through such occasions are one of the key legacies of British Council’s policy seminars.

While the seminar was about exploring how policy and practice can adapt to help ensure TVET systems can best respond to the rapidly changing world we live in, ultimately the focus of everyone in attendance was the end-users of these TVET systems. I think for all delegates a special highlight was the contribution of the college students – who told their often moving stories with great confidence, honesty and self-awareness. They are a powerful testament to the value of the work we do.

On a personal note, this was my final TVET policy seminar at the British Council before I leave the organisation later this summer after 22 years. I would like to thank everyone who helped make it such a memorable one.

This seminar is supported by funding from the British Council’s Going Global Partnerships programme. Going Global Partnerships supports universities, colleges and wider education stakeholders around the world to work together towards stronger, equitable, inclusive, more internationally connected higher education, science and TVET.

Developing industry-led TVET for a greener future

By Gabriel Murtagh, Consultant – TVET Global programme

The annual British Council TVET Policy Seminar was recently held in Glasgow in February 2025. Hosted by City of Glasgow College at their two impressive campuses in the city, the seminar was attended by delegates representing government and industry from 13 TVET partner countries: Bangladesh, Botswana, Ghana, Malawi, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Pakistan, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda, as well as by a number of British Council colleagues from the TVET central team and overseas country colleagues.

The theme of this Policy Seminar, the flagship TVET event in the British Council’s calendar, was ‘Developing industry-led TVET for a greener future’, and its core objectives were to explore what lessons Scotland and the UK has to offer – and to learn – in ensuring TVET engages effectively with industry to help deliver a greener, more sustainable future. Over three days, delegates enjoyed sessions delivered by, and engaged in discussion with, expert speakers from Scotland’s TVET sector, ranging from academia, policymakers and industry.

For me, a highlight of the Policy Seminar was the employer visit I attended at McTaggart Construction. At a new, modern, and high-quality social housing project currently under construction and located in one of the most socially deprived areas of Glasgow, colleagues at McTaggart highlighted the need for a robust green skills system in order to meet the requirement for environmentally sustainable techniques and expertise which are demanded of today’s construction sector. On site, we met apprentices from local Further Education colleges who were on placement with McTaggart Construction and benefitting from their own in-house skills development programme, and saw first-hand the hydrogen-powered energy system which will provide green and extremely cheap energy for the residents of the housing development once construction is complete.

In addition to the formal sessions delivered, the seminar programme afforded many opportunities for delegates to network and build connections with each other, and with speakers and other stakeholders. After the employer visits, we held a reception at City of Glasgow College Riverside campus which was preceded by a tour of the campus and their immersive ship simulator. This informal setting was ideal and allowed the international delegates to meet and mix with a wider range of stakeholders from City of Glasgow College and other local Further Education colleges, as well as important organisations involved in the sector such as the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework, the Scottish Qualifications Authority and Skills Development Scotland.

We are confident that the delegates will build on the knowledge gained and connections formed as part of this Policy Seminar to influence policy in their respective countries and prioritise the role of industry-led TVET in supporting the green transition.

Personally, having recently joined the TVET team and as Project Manager for this edition of the Policy Seminar, it was wonderful to meet colleagues and delegates in person and hear from speakers who are expert in their field. City of Glasgow College was an excellent backdrop as host for the seminar and the college representatives involved were very welcoming to all British Council colleagues and delegates in attendance. Overall, I would say the TVET Policy Seminar in Glasgow was a great success and it will be interesting and exciting to see the impact of this seminar in our work with the TVET countries who were present.

This seminar is supported by funding from the British Council’s Going Global Partnerships programme. Going Global Partnerships supports universities, colleges and wider education stakeholders around the world to work together towards stronger, equitable, inclusive, more internationally connected higher education, science and TVET.

On 29 January to 1 February in Cardiff, the British Council hosted an international policy seminar on the subject of ‘Investing in Skills: How do we maximise the impact of TVET funding?’ Forty-six senior policy makers, educational leaders and TVET managers from Botswana, Ghana, Malawi, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Pakistan, South Africa, Sudan, and Tanzania attended. 

Over four days the delegates participated in input and discussion sessions at Cardiff and Vale College and Coleg y Cymoedd, facilitated by experts from different areas of the Welsh TVET system. Delegates met college staff and students, and visited a range of employers partnering with the two colleges in the delivery of training, including Global Aerospace (Aviation Wales), Transport for Wales, International Centre for Aerospace Training, BBC Wales, Aston Martin, and Caerdav. 

The seminar also included facilitated sessions designed to support delegates identify elements of the Welsh TVET system that could best help inform positive change in their own systems to maximise the impact of TVET funding.

TVET for a sustainable economy

Face to face meetings are back!  

This conference reminded us of just how much we have been missing during the pandemic. On November 28-30, in Coventry, the British Council hosted an international conference on TVET for a Sustainable Economy. More than 50 senior government and agency TVET policy makers and managers, from Botswana, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Pakistan, South Africa, Sudan, and Tanzania, took part. Over three days, delegates listened to and debated with speakers from many parts of the English TVET system, made visits to different training centres and employers, and identified options that could be of value in their own countries.  

The conference heard about initiatives in the field of green skills and sustainability – in the work of the Association of Colleges, the Education and Training Foundation, the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education, and in the many green initiatives undertaken in Coventry itself.   From the floor of the meeting we heard of the challenges of climate change, including how, in developing countries, the TVET system is needed to train young subsistence farmers to grow the crops that will survive in a different climate to that to which their parents were accustomed.

Read more.

Skills after Covid: Shaping Technical and Vocational Education to meet the needs of the next generation

In partnership with the Welsh Government

“Around the world, education is widely recognised as bringing “significant benefits to society, not only through higher employment opportunities and income but also via enhanced skills, improved social status and access to networks.” Yet, today, globalization, technological and demographic change, and the combined effects of the prolonged nature of the Great Recession, resource absorption challenges, and accelerating economic competitiveness are placing considerable pressures on education to deliver and demonstrate better value and benefit for citizens and society”, Professor Ellen Hazelkorn, 2016, Towards 2030: A framework for building a world-class post-compulsory education system for Wales

Themes

The seminar tackled the following themes:

• Creating the framework for success
• Going Digital
• Improving pathways and lifelong learning
• High quality teaching and learning

Objectives

TVET Systems and those who shape them always have a series of competing needs they need to respond to at any given time. Social, Economic and Cultural ambitions depend on TVET that is high-quality, relevant and inclusive. The Covid crisis has sharpened the focus on these long-term issues as well as creating acute and unexpected challenges that skills systems need to respond to immediately. It is hard enough to meet these immediate needs but how do we create policy and practice that enables us to meet the needs of the next generation and beyond as well as preparing us to effectively anticipate and respond to future shocks?

In partnership with the Welsh Government and highlighting their work we explored how best systems can respond to the Covid crisis and how we as policy makers can create systems that are high-quality and meet the needs of today and the future. 

This event offered the opportunity for participants to hear from experts in the field but also make an active contribution to the debate through discussion.

Participants

This is event was designed for those with a significant interest in Technical and Vocational Education and training policy and those with a focus on improving TVET. Attendees were Policy Makers or Leaders of TVET authorities, reform programmes or institutions. 

Learning Aims

• An analysis of the components that shape effective TVET systems
• Tips and examples of effective TVET System building
• Ideas for policy changes and interventions to contribute to system reform
• Time to reflect on the different stakeholders and groups engaged in TVET and the functions they can and do serve.

Developing and Delivering TVET through the private sector 

In partnership with AELP

In February 2020 the British Council together with the Association of Employment and Learning Providers hosted a three-day policy dialogue in Manchester entitled “Developing and Delivering TVET through the private sector”. This event brought together over 30 senior policy makers from around the world to showcase the UK’s approach to independent training provision and share common challenges and insights in this space. The event introduced delegates to the main components of the UK vocational education and training system and explored such key issues as employer engagement, quality assurance, apprenticeships and inclusion. 

The programme was designed to link skills policy and practice and included visits to Code Nation, Siemens and Trafford College as well as contributions from a range of independent training providers including Develop and Twin Training.  The delegates also had the opportunity to hear from some of the UK leading experts in the skills sector, including from representatives of the Association of Employment and Learning Providers, Ofsted and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

The event is one of the series of policy dialogues and study tours for international delegates organised by the British Council every year. Designed to promote understanding of innovative approaches to technical and vocational education and training (TVET) and raise awareness of the global TVET picture, they have proven a great catalyst for UK-overseas collaboration and kick-started a number of excellent initiatives both at home and abroad.

Mr Arafat Atmoun, Secretary-General of Professional Training, Ministry of Vocational Training, commented:

“The Moroccan delegation has developed a great deal of knowledge of new practices of independent trainer providers in the UK that will contribute to the enhancement of the public–private partnerships in the development and delivery of VET in Morocco”.

Association of Employment and Learning Providers chief executive Mark Dawe said:

“The UK system for government funded skills provision relies heavily on high quality independent training providers to engage with employers across the country and provide learning opportunities to local communities where the reach of other education institutions isn’t available.  Their effectiveness is clearly of great interest to a wide range of international audiences which is evident from the success of the visit to Manchester.   AELP believes that there is scope for more inward and outward study trips and we look forward to working with British Council on future projects.”

More information can be found at www.britishcouncil.org/education/skills-employability.

Download the Press release (PDF) here.

TVET for All? Getting positive outcomes for marginalised groups through TVET

From 5-7 November the British Council in partnership with Skills Development Scotland hosted a three-day policy dialogue in Glasgow that brought together senior policy makers and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) leaders from Nepal, Colombia, South Africa and Nigeria to showcase the UK and Scotland’s approach to supporting inclusion through skills development and to discuss important global priorities for skills and employability. 

The event introduced delegates to the main components of the UK and Scotland’s vocational education and training system and explored how different elements of vocational education and training work to deliver quality TVET for different groups and support positive outcomes.

Samuel Okwa, C-STEmp (Construction Skills Training & Empowerment Project, Nigeria) said about the programme;

“The collaborative and innovative discussions around inclusion of disadvantaged and under-represented groups have opened my eyes and mind to ways that we can involve them more and create policies that encourage their involvement”.

The programme was designed to link skills policy and practice and included visits to BAE Systems Naval Ships, Low Moss High Security Prison, Skills Development Scotland and The Prince’s Trust to showcase different approaches to inclusion and skills development. 

One of the highlights was the opportunity to visit the Skills Scotland Show 2019, which enabled delegates to meet representatives from employers, training providers, colleges, universities and professional bodies.

For more details contact skills@britishcouncil.org. 

Find here information about the event.

In October, the British Council Skills Team welcomed delegates from around the world to Belfast for our UK Policy Seminar: ‘The Northern Ireland Story – building a quality TVET offer in a post-conflict society’. Senior Policy makers from Nigeria, Pakistan, South Africa and Zimbabwe joined their counterparts from Northern Ireland to address this crucial issue and share best practice in managing, designing and delivering TVET in fractured communities.

The event was run in partnership with Northern Ireland Colleges which represents The Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector in Northern Ireland and has been operating for over 100 years consisting of the 6 Regional Colleges which operate under the control of the Ministry of Economy.

In addition to input from Northern Ireland Colleges the seminar included contributions from a range of organisations working on the TVET agenda. These included AllState Northern Ireland, The Department for the Economy, CC Skills, Belfast City Council and FiNTrU, CCEA and ETI.  We were also grateful to Rory Robertshaw, Senior Project Officer at UNESCO who provided expert insight.

Discussion centred on delivering quality TVET for disparate groups but delegates explored a number of themes including, employer engagement, improving the perception of vocational pathways, and governance. The programme was designed to link skills policy and practice and included visits to PSI and Hydebank Secure College in addition to a tour of Belfast Metropolitan College who hosted the three days of discussions. One of the highlights of the programme was a dinner provided by learners at the college with the delegation and a number of partners from the Northern Ireland Skills Sector joining together to dine in the Linen Lounge.

The event is one of the series of policy dialogues and study tours for international delegates organised by the British Council every year. Designed to promote understanding of innovative approaches to technical and vocational education and training and raise awareness of the global TVET picture, they have proven a great catalyst for UK-overseas collaboration and kick-started a number of excellent initiatives both at home and abroad.

Changing the perception of Vocational Education: Careers Advice and Guidance 

In November the British Council Skills Team welcomed delegates from around the world to Birmingham for our UK Policy Seminar: ‘Changing the perception of Vocational Education: Careers Advice and Guidance’. Over forty Senior Policy makers from Bangladesh, Ghana, India, Nigeria and Pakistan joined their counterparts from the UK to address this crucial issue and share best practice in improving the perception of vocational careers and attracting more learners into training.

The event was run in partnership with Education and Employers, a UK charity created in 2009 to ensure that every state school and college has an effective partnership with employers to support young people. As well as undertaking research into the impact and delivery of employer engagement in education, the charity manages innovative programmes to enable schools and colleges to connect efficiently and effectively with employers including Inspiring the Future. The charity works in close partnership with the leading national bodies representing education leaders, teaching staff and employers/employees. A key part of the first day was an insight into some of their research provided by Dr Elnaz Kashefpakdel (Head of Research, Education and Employers) and colleagues.

The seminar also included contributions from the Department for Education, SEMTA, the Association of Colleges, Skills Development Scotland, Edge Foundation and the Careers and Enterprise Company.

The programme was designed to link skills policy and practice and included visits to Dudley College, West Midlands Construction University Technical College and a range of employers.One of the highlights of the programme was the visit to the Skills Show, the UK’s largest skills and careers event, which enabled the delegates to see the very best of young talent showcasing their professional and technical skills alongside experiential careers advice for 80,000 visitors.

The event is one of the series of policy dialogues and study tours for international delegates organised by the British Council every year. Designed to promote understanding of innovative approaches to technical and vocational education and training (TVET) and raise awareness of the global TVET picture, they have proven a great catalyst for UK-overseas collaboration and kick-started a number of excellent initiatives both at home and abroad.

HOW IMPORTANT IS ENTERPRISE TRAINING TO JOB CREATION? EMBEDDING ENTERPRISE IN TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION

This seminar, held 7 - 9 March 2017 in Scotland, explored the differing approaches to entrepreneurship training within the wider skills agenda by drawing on the expertise and varied perspectives of entrepreneurs, government officials and representatives from the education sector.

The event addressed key issues, including: 

• Should enterprise training be included within or additional to technical training? 
• The part played by mentoring
• Means of reaching disadvantaged groups
• The roles of different stakeholders
• Equipping learners with the skills needed for the 21st century

Visits to Scottish colleges, innovation hubs and businesses were also incorporated within the event.

IMPROVING EMPLOYER AND LEARNER ENGAGEMENT IN VOCATIONAL EDUCATION

On 15-17 November 2016 the British Council hosted a three-day policy dialogue in Birmingham that brought together delegations of senior policy makers from over 15 countries to showcase the UK’s approach to skills delivery and discuss important global priorities for skills and employability. The event introduced delegates to the main components of the UK vocational education and training system and explored such key issues as employer engagement, quality assurance, apprenticeships and inclusion. 

The programme was designed to link skills policy and practice and included visits to Warwickshire College, Birmingham Metropolitan College, Balfour Beatty and Doosan Babcock, and independent training providers Babington Group and EEF Technology Hub. One of the highlights of the programme was the visit to the Skills Show, the UK’s largest skills and careers event, which enabled the delegates to see the very best of young talent showcasing their professional and technical skills.

The delegates also had a great opportunity to hear from some of the UK leading experts in the skills sector, including from representatives of the Association of Colleges, Education Scotland and the Federation for Industry Sector Skills and Standards. 

The event is one of the series of policy dialogues and study tours for international delegates organised by the British Council every year. Designed to promote understanding of innovative approaches to technical and vocational education and training (TVET) and raise awareness of the global TVET picture, they have proven a great catalyst for UK-overseas collaboration and kick-started a number of excellent initiatives both at home and abroad.

HOW DO WE FUND AND SHAPE VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING FOR THE 21 CENTURY? 

The event took place on 31 May - 2 June 2016 in London and addressed the key strategic issues in creating a skilled workforce which contribute to economic growth. Themes such as funding, oversight, flexibility and planning for the future were also discussed.

The seminar, whilst being led by the British Council, was intended to be interactive and included opportunities for delegates to share their own experiences and challenges as well as be able to hear from UK contributors.