𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐕𝐄𝐓 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦

…𝑨𝒅𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒅 𝒗𝒐𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒎𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒒𝒖𝒊𝒑 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒉 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒔𝒌𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝑨𝑰, 𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒆𝒄𝒉𝒏𝒐𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒊𝒆𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔

By Kezang Choden

The limited number of seats in Bhutan’s universities, particularly under the Royal University of Bhutan (RUB), has prompted the Ministry of Education and Skills Development to introduce an ambitious plan to expand opportunities through the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system.

Currently, RUB admits approximately 2,600 students annually across its 11 colleges, including two private institutions, catering to just 20 percent of Class 12 graduates. Many students, particularly from the Arts stream, are left searching for alternatives. Lyonpo Yeezang De Thapa said that expanding RUB’s capacity is constrained by infrastructure limitations and the need to maintain quality education standards. Overcrowding and resource strain caused by past efforts to increase access highlighted the need for a more sustainable approach.

The Ministry has outlined its plan in the National Education Policy 2024 and the Skilling Roadmap for the 13th Five-Year Plan, focusing on making TVET a more attractive and accessible option for school graduates. By the end of the 13th Five-Year Plan period, TVET programs aim to accommodate up to 60 percent of school leavers, a significant leap in capacity designed to address the skills gap in Bhutan’s labour market.

Lyonpo Yeezang De Thapa emphasized that TVET is being re-envisioned not only as an alternative but as an equal and valuable pathway for youth. The initiative includes upgrades to Bhutan’s Technical Training Institutes (TTIs) into vocational colleges offering advanced training in emerging and high-demand fields such as digital technologies, sustainable construction, and creative industries.

The transformation of TVET is aligned with the demands of Industry 4.0, incorporating skills in artificial intelligence, robotics, and green technologies. These cutting-edge areas will feature prominently in revamped curricula, ensuring that Bhutanese youth are equipped for the global labour market while supporting the country’s transition to a knowledge-based economy.

Specialized programs tailored for Arts stream graduates, such as media, cultural entrepreneurship, and design, are also in development. These initiatives aim to nurture creativity and innovation while addressing the diverse aspirations of Bhutan’s students.

To modernize Bhutan’s vocational training, the Ministry is collaborating with international partners, including institutions from Singapore, Switzerland, Korea, India, and Germany. These partnerships aim to incorporate global best practices into Bhutan’s TVET system, enhancing the quality and relevance of training programs.

One focus area is the Gelephu Mindfulness City initiative, which requires skilled workers in construction, digital innovation, and climate-resilient practices. Advanced training programs tailored to meet these specific workforce needs will play a critical role in the initiative’s success.

The TVET system is also designed to absorb up to 7,100 Gyalsung graduates annually by the end of the 13th Five-Year Plan. In addition, the Ministry plans to use Gyalsung training facilities during off-peak periods to reskill and upskill up to 2,000 youths each year.

These programs, ranging from certifications to diplomas and applied degrees, aim to provide young people with market-aligned skills for meaningful careers. The broader reforms are expected to address youth unemployment, foster a skilled workforce, and contribute significantly to Bhutan’s economic and social development.

The Ministry is committed to ensuring that school leavers from diverse educational backgrounds, including Arts stream graduates and those not enrolled in RUB, have access to TVET opportunities that align with their aspirations. Advanced vocational training, combined with support from the Ministry, seeks to provide viable career pathways for all youth.

As Bhutan aims to foster sustainable growth and transition to a knowledge-based economy, the expansion of TVET programs is pivotal. By equipping young people with the skills needed to thrive in a changing world, the initiative addresses immediate challenges while laying the foundation for long-term development.

Through strategic planning, international collaboration, and an inclusive approach, the Ministry of Education and Skills Development is positioning TVET as a cornerstone of Bhutan’s education system and a key driver of its workforce transformation.