New Era College of Arts, Science and Technology recently launched its Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Advisory Board, marking an important milestone in the College’s commitment to strengthening practical education and industry-responsive training in Botswana.
The launch brought together leaders from academia, industry, and national development institutions to discuss the critical role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training in supporting Botswana’s economic transformation and workforce development.
The establishment of the TVET Advisory Board comes at a time when Botswana is intensifying efforts to expand skills development, enhance youth employability and accelerate economic diversification. The Board will serve as a strategic platform for collaboration between the College and industry stakeholders to ensure that training programmes remain relevant, practical, and aligned with labour market demands.
Delivering the keynote address on “TVET and Economic Transformation,” Dr. Farzam Kamalabadi, Chairperson of Future Trends and Botswana Presidential Envoy on International Relations and Economic Development, emphasized the importance of strengthening technical education systems to prepare countries for emerging global economic shifts. In his address, Dr. Kamalabadi highlighted the role of skills-based education in enabling nations to build competitive industries, develop local innovation ecosystems, and create sustainable employment opportunities for young people.
Speaking at the launch, Mr. Daroush Ghodrati, who recently assumed office as the new President of New Era College effective 1 January 2026, outlined the vision behind the establishment of the Advisory Board and reaffirmed the College’s commitment to practical, industry-driven education.
“Technical and vocational education is a core pillar of our institution and must remain closely connected to the realities of the labour market,” said Mr. Ghodrati. “The establishment of this Advisory Board reflects our commitment to ensuring that New Era College continues to produce graduates who are not only academically prepared, but also equipped with the practical skills and competencies required by industry.”
Mr. Ghodrati added that the Advisory Board will play an important role in strengthening partnerships between the College and the private sector while supporting the continuous improvement of TVET programmes offered by the institution.
The newly launched TVET Advisory Board will play a strategic role in ensuring that the College’s programmes remain aligned with industry needs by supporting curriculum development, strengthening pathways to employment through internships and workplace learning, and enhancing the credibility and visibility of TVET qualifications within Botswana’s education and training ecosystem.