1. TVET Saudi Arabia A Fresh Approach
John Kerr
Director
Alphaplus Consultancy

2. TVET What is TVET and why does it matter?
‘OECD countries cannot compete on labor costs. That means a highly skilled labor force with a range of technical and professional skills not only those with a university education is needed to sustain economic development.’
OECD 2012

4. Saudi Skills Standards
A new body whose objective is to ensure confidence in technical and applied skills training in the Kingdom.
2 pronged approach
Colleges of Excellence to bring in new international training providers;
36 new colleges by September 2014
Saudi Skills Standards to develop;
Fit for purpose qualifications derived from National Occupation Skills Standards (NOSS)
External Assessment
Inspection and review

5. Saudi Skills Standards- Assessment
A strategic and deliberate move away from ‘input’ to ‘output’ related learning.
Fair but rigorous assessment builds confidence in the qualifications from;
Employers
Training providers
Learners

6. Saudi Skills Standards- Assessment
Challenges of vocational assessment
How do you ensure both skills and knowledge are assessed?
How do you achieve reliability and validity?
How can you scale effectively?
How do you ensure that assessment is balanced with curriculum and pedagogy?
How do you ensure assessment is cost effective and deliverable?
Examples
Canada- Red Top Apprenticeships
UK- Edge Hotel School
Australia - Electrical Engineering testing

7. Saudi Skills Standards
Innovative approach from Saudi Skills Standards
Develop NOSS prioritised on proven demand from employers
Build Unit based Qualifications from the NOSS
Develop fit for purpose assessments using the latest technology
Knowledge based Tests delivered though computer based tests
Capstone skills assessment
E Portfolio to ensure skills coverage across all the units

8. Saudi Skills Standards – Case Study
Welding
NOSS developed from international subject matter experts reviewing best practice in UK, Australia and New Zealand and consulting with large Saudi employers on the standards they wish new employees to be able to achieve
1 year Associate Diploma and 1 year Diploma with common Foundation year to assess English and IT skills
60 question computer based assessments on the underpinning knowledge plus a 6 hour practical skills test undertaken at end of year to assess the underlining skills
Training in place to ‘train the trainer’ in assessment, internal verification and external verification processes

9. Saudi Skills Standards- Assessment
Challenges
Technology
The cost of delivering tests and assessment is small but careful adaptation to local market is complex and needs careful planning on the ground.
Implementation
Qualification systems have to work right first time and every time to ensure confidence.
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More awareness raising needed on the importance and status of technical training.

10. Saudi Skills Standards
Thank you
John Kerr
Alphaplus Consultancy