Frequently Asked Questions - VTC Khartoum State
What is a VTC?
VTC stands for 'Vocational Training Centre'. These are centres where youth and young adults, both men and women can obtain training or improve their skills in technical subjects, therefore increasing their employability and entrepreneurial potential. Training offered at the centres will incorporate the Competency based Training (CBT) approach, a new modular approach which is more cost effective in the long run.
What is the concept behind VTCs?
Through the institutional competency building of VTCs as well as by stressing industrial relevance and dimensions of skills development, UNIDO aims to expand and enhance training services available to youth and women. The objectives are to improve employability, foster an entrepreneurial mindset and environment in addition to creating market driven job opportunities, which in turn can contribute to poverty reduction. UNIDO's entrepreneurship development programme provides the trainees with relevant entrepreneurial competencies to engage in different technical sectors. The trainees' personal attitudes, behaviours, technical skills and knowledge are providing them with a competitive edge to engage in the workforce with greater employability as prospective entrepreneurs. Training for Youth Entrepreneurship Development (YED) or Women Entrepreneurship Development (WED) encompasses a holistic approach for opportunity driven entrepreneurship.
What services are offered?
The centres offer market-oriented vocational and entrepreneurial training in various disciplines and or technical sectors, namely:
- Metalwork & welding
- Engineering design
- Building & construction
- Wood work
- Auto-mechanics
- ICT
- Electrical engineering
- Leather design
- Food processing
- Hotel & catering services
- Hair care & related services.
These skills contribute to the quality of life of the local community by (1) fostering a productive culture and an industrial mindset of adding value to the community through service provision, and by (2) developing the skills and knowledge of men and women to become an employable workforce and/or business owners with the relevant technical and entrepreneurial competence.
The VTC promotes a training-cum-production methodology to facilitate application of entrepreneurship in technical sectors. The training is geared to foster a greater entrepreneurial and market oriented mindset through practicing with real-life commercial orders and on the job training.
Who is able to access the services offered at the VTC?
Youth, women, and vulnerable groups, i.e. Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR), and Internationally Displaced Populations (IDPs).
How long does the training last?
The current regular traditional curriculum consists of certified 3-year course programmes. However, UNIDO through the projects implemented in Sudan is promoting a more market-oriented approach by promoting certified short courses and Competency-Based Training (CBT).
How is the training structured in terms of time?
See previous
How flexible are the services offered to the needs of female students?
UNIDO is fully supporting gender parity in enrol and set-up of the VTCs. In addition courses are offered in a modular/short manner.
Is there an age limit for receiving training at a VTC?
15 years of age and above
What basic skills do I need to attend training at the VTC?
To be able to fully benefit from the training trainees must at minimum have attended primary school and full literacy. The training offered is not geared at blue-collar or manual jobs, but more at bringing an innovative edge to a technical skills set.
Are there any costs involved with working at a VTC?
The trainees in the regular 3-year programme pay a fee of $60 USD per year.
Do I receive and certification at the end of the training period?
Yes, all training courses are certified by the Ministry of Labour and the Supreme Council for Vocational Training and Apprenticeships.
What opportunities are available to me after engaging in training at the VTC?
Trainees are furnished with:
- Tools and confidence to set up their own businesses,
- Access to incubation (business support) services at the VTCs to facilitate the set-up of business enterprise.
- Entrepreneurship and business skills obtained for increased employability
- Set-up for coaching and further EDP training /BDS at the VTCs on site.