Frequently Asked Questions - VTC Wau
What is a VTC?
VTC stands for 'Vocational Training Centre' supporting Youth Entrepreneurship Development (YED). 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 design
- Building & construction
- Wood work
- Auto-mechanics
- Information Technology
- Electrical engineering
- Food processing
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.
What is Youth Entrepreneurship Development (YED)?
YED provides a solid base for human resource development and is a driving force for socio-economic development and growth. It is a major window of opportunity for self-employment generation and enterprise creation using technical skills.
Who is able to access the services offered at the VTC?
Youth, women, and vulnerable groups, i.e. Disarmed, Demobilized and Reintegrated Ex-Combatants (DDRs), and Internally Displaced Persons (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 modular 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 enrolling and the set-up of the VTCs. In addition short courses are offered therefore facilitating the full participation of women.
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 be fully literate. The training offered is not geared at developing blue-collar or manual jobs, but more at bringing an innovative edge to a technical skills set crucial for the set up of Micro and Small Enterprises.
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. For further information please contact the relevant VTC Director.
Do I receive any certification at the end of the training period?
Yes, all training courses are to be certified by the Ministry, Public Service and Human Resources Development, Government of Southern Sudan (GoSS).
What opportunities are available to me after engaging in training at the VTC?
Trainees are furnished with:
- Set of employable skills and the confidence to set up a successful business
- Access to incubation (business support) services at the VTCs to facilitate the set-up of business enterprise.
- Set-up for coaching and further EDP training /BDS at the VTCs on site.