The five-day training program titled “Operationalizing and Implementing Quality Assurance & Accreditation (QAA)”, an in-country training program of the Colombo Plan Staff College (CPSC), began on March 16, 2026 at the Training Institute for Technical Instruction (TITI), Sanothimi, Bhaktapur.

The program was officially inaugurated by Dr. Prakash Kumar Shrestha, Honorable Vice Chairperson of the National Planning Commission (NPC). The inaugural session was chaired by Dr. Mohammad Shaphiullah, Vice Chairperson of the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT).

Addressing the program, Dr. Prakash Kumar Shrestha, the Chief Guest of the inaugural session, stated that Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is the backbone of national development. He noted that Nepal’s 16th Plan (2024/25 - 2028/29) places strong emphasis on TVET and skill development to enhance employability. He also stressed the need to continuously adapt curricula and instructional practices in response to changes in the global job market. According to him, TVET institutions must prioritize quality assurance, which can be strengthened through accreditation.

Speaking at the program, Prof. Dr. Suresh Kumar Dhameja, Director General of CPSC, Manila, highlighted the importance of the training program. He shared international best practices in quality assurance and accreditation in TVET. He noted that Nepal can benefit from those experiences. Prof. Dhameja also reaffirmed that CPSC will continue organizing such programs in collaboration with CTEVT to promote the exchange of knowledge and experience for strengthening the TVET system in Nepal.

Mr. Chandra Kanta Bhusal, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST), extended his best wishes for the success of the program. During the inaugural session, Er. Mahesh Bhattarai, Member Secretary of CTEVT, outlined the objectives of the training program. Er. Arbind Kumar Chaudhary, Director of the Technical Division of CTEVT, welcomed the distinguished guests and participants on behalf of CTEVT.

A key highlight of the program will be a national seminar scheduled for March 19, 2026, the fourth day of the training. The seminar is titled “Navigating the Future of TVET: Harmonizing Quality Standards for Global Workforce Mobility”.

CPSC, established in 1973, is an autonomous specialized intergovernmental organization. It currently has 28 member countries, including both charter and current members, with 16 active members. Nepal became a member in 1973. CTEVT serves as the partner organization representing Nepal in CPSC activities. CPSC and CTEVT jointly organize in-country and regional programs to strengthen TVET systems in the region.

A total of 30 participants are attending the current training program. The participants include the directors, project team leaders, principals, deputy directors, vice principals, trainers, and instructors from various TVET institutions and organizations. The sessions are being delivered by national and international TVET experts. The program aims to strengthen institutional capacity for implementing quality assurance and accreditation in Nepal’s TVET sector.