The National Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (NACTVET) is a statutory body in Tanzania responsible for coordinating, regulating, and assuring quality in technical and vocational education and training. It was established under the NACTVET Act to oversee the provision of education and training offered by technical institutions, vocational training centers, and other related training providers. The council plays a central role in ensuring that skills development in the country aligns with national development priorities and labor market demands.
One of the core functions of NACTVET is the registration and accreditation of technical and vocational education and training institutions. Through this process, the council sets minimum standards for infrastructure, curriculum, teaching staff, and learning resources. This ensures that institutions operate within approved frameworks and provide education that meets acceptable quality benchmarks. NACTVET also evaluates and approves training programs to ensure they are relevant, competency-based, and responsive to technological and economic changes.
NACTVET is responsible for developing and maintaining the National Qualifications Framework for technical and vocational education and training. This framework provides clear pathways for learners to progress from lower to higher levels of qualifications, promoting lifelong learning and mobility within the education system. By harmonizing qualifications, the council helps learners, employers, and institutions understand the value and equivalence of different awards.
Quality assurance is another critical mandate of NACTVET. The council conducts regular monitoring, inspection, and assessment of institutions to ensure continuous compliance with established standards. It also provides guidance and capacity-building support to institutions to help them improve teaching, learning, and assessment practices. Through these efforts, NACTVET promotes consistency and credibility in technical and vocational education across the country.
In addition, NACTVET advises the government and other stakeholders on matters related to technical and vocational education and training. It collaborates with ministries, employers, professional bodies, and development partners to strengthen skills development and enhance employability. By fostering partnerships between training providers and industry, the council supports the production of a skilled workforce capable of contributing to national economic growth, industrialization, and social development.