Vocational education, technical education and skill development are often used interchangeably and the fine distinctions between them are blurred.
Education is the act or process of acquiring knowledge in a systematic / structured method, the acquired knowledge or training by this process, the imparting of it and the theory in both.
Vocational Education entails training of a specific occupation in agriculture, trade or industry through a combination of theoretical teaching and practical experience provided by specialized institutions. It aims to develop proficiency in manual skills pertaining to the profession.
Technical Education is both academic and vocational preparation of students for jobs involving applied science and modern technology. It emphasizes the understanding and practical application of basic principles of science and mathematics, rather than attainment of proficiency in manual skills. The goal of technical education is to prepare graduates for occupations that are classified above the skilled crafts but below the scientific or engineering professions. People so employed are frequently called technicians.
Skill development is the training and development that the employer provides to his / her employees in the workplace. It also includes on-the-job training provided by the employer. It is often construed that only training that is provided by an outside training provider falls within the definition of skills development.
Sar-La seeks to approach education holistically by covering the entire spectrum of formal – vocational – technical – skill development. Also, it is of the view that at a societal level, education is an effective tool for achieving social equity, integration and social cohesion. It enables people’s pro-active participation in governance process thereby strengthening democracy. Good educational standards among the population create a bankable workforce and contributes to innovations and technological developments which lead to economic progress and social mobility. At the individual level, education equips people with skills and competencies for strengthening and diversifying their livelihood opportunities and economic well-being.
Maintaining this perspective, the trust constantly reviews the developments in the entire education spectrum at the macro level and how these developments and dynamics are impinging upon the delivery of education and its impact on students. Accordingly, in the coming decade the Trust will step in areas where gaps exist which would have a bearing on outcomes, in quality and quantity.Wheeling formal – vocational – technical streams for wholesome and holistic education and competence building
A foundation that at the level of an individual creates systems and structures that sharpens the intellect, nourishes the inquiring mind, nurtures talent and provokes a thirst for scientific temper and technical excellence for youth; and in society provides avenues to strengthen the connect between education, vocation and technical skill development.
Sar-La Education Trust and its institutions are in a constant pursuit of excellence and exceeding the expectations of our stakeholders.
Excellence is achieved through constant hard work, innovative and inventive bent of mind and uprightness of character and principled demeanour.
While retaining these values, SET is in a constant pursuit to modify/adapt to differing circumstances and demands of society and its relevant constituents, without compromising on consistency. In all its pursuits, team work and cooperation are the preferred mode in all its associations within and between its institutions and outside.
Steady persistence in its course of action, belief and purpose with utmost humility and respect for humanity.
The principles adopted by SET are:-