Possibilities of Vocational Education and Training through the Open and Distance Learning Mode in Developing Nations

Abstract

This paper discusses about skill formation through vocational education and training for the population across the working age group . It also discusses the need and requirement of vocational education learning opportunities, at the same time, leading to better utilization of the existing infrastructure and training in a situation where the population is comparatively young in countries and they are at the threshold or are approaching the threshold from where, they can reap the demographic dividends. This is possible only when the human resources are capable, trained and employable. The paper further focuses on the important role that open and distance learning could play in extending the outreach of such opportunities to the masses, surmounting the socio – economic and geographical barriers and also how the Open and Distance Learning could play a role in democratizing educational opportunities. By citing examples, the paper concludes by stating how contextualization of vocational education and training through open and distance learning could lead to ideal training environments and produce skilled personnel as per the needs of the society, and in turn, would lead to partial long term solutions to minimization of work related migration, better civic amenities, removal of urban congestion, minimized traffic snarls, reduction in crime, rural livelihood promotion and uniform sustainable development of regions.