The Jigme Wangchuck Power Training Institute (JWPTI) in Sarpang launched Dual Training Program (DTP) on carpentry and masonry yesterday. The 24 months training program is a new module with a combination of theory and practical training embedded in a real-life work environment.
The trainees will carry on their practical attachment course under Construction Development Corporation Limited (CDCL), National Housing Development Construction Limited (NHDCL) and Gyeltshen Furniture House in Gelegphu.
“The course is designed to allow trainees to spend a majority of their time more than 70% in companies exposing them to real work experience and only about 30% of their time in the Institute to acquire foundational competencies,” Norbu Wangchuk, the Project Director of Department of Technical Education under Labour Ministry, said.
He added the mode of this training has more advantages.
“For trainees, they get occupational proficiency, necessary for employment opportunities getting to learn practically by working in companies. For the companies, they get highly competent as well as loyal employees meeting the specific needs, thereby saving recurrent as well as retaining cost. For the government, they reap the benefit of building a highly competent and productive workforce capable of driving the much desired economic growth and economic diversification plans and program.”
A total of 60 trainees, 14 female and 46 male are enrolled for this year DTP in the institute.
Some of the trainees said spending more time working and getting trained in companies than in the institute will increase their opportunities for employment.
“Through this Dual Training Program, it will enable us to acquire the required skills and also knowledge from teachers,” Samdrup Zangmo, a trainee, said.
The Dual Training Program is coordinated by Occupational Skill Development for the Construction Sector in Bhutan, Department of Technical Education (DTE) with support from Helvetas Swiss Inter-cooperation.