Study to gauge success of graduates

By Joyetter Luamanu 27 October 2017, 12:00AM

The Samoa Qualifications Authority (S.Q.A.) launched its Post School Education Training (P.S.E.T.) Tracer Study for the 2012 to 2014 graduates yesterday.

S.Q.A’s Board of Directors Chairperson, Gatoloaifaana Tilianamua Afamasaga launched the study at the T.A.T.T.E. Convention Centre.

She said S.Q.A. was established because of the government’s commitment to have post school education training subsector that was well coordinated with added provision to meet the needs of society. 

“To instil some knowledge to improve national economic council and social developments and the S.Q.A. is mandated under its Act 2010, to provide policy advice, regulate, quality assure, coordinate, post school education in Samoa. 

“To ensure the sound policy advice of government on recent matters is provided in an effective and efficient way, S.Q.A. conducts research from time to time.” 

According to Gatoloaifaana, in 2006 and 2007 a survey was conducted and the information collected was used by the authority to inform policy in action. 

“A case study is an important source of feedback not only to S.Q.A., but also to all the post school education training.” 

She said this would enable S.Q.A. to examine from time to time the value of the P.S.E.T. qualifications awarded to the graduates. 

“This is measured by the ability of the graduates to gain employment and be successful in their operations and the skills and knowledge acquired from inspectors,” said Gatoloaifaana. 

According to a press statement issued by the P.S.E.T. providers and members of the education sub-sector in 2016, a Tracer Study of all P.S.E.T. graduates was carried out for those who have graduated in 2012-2014. 

More than 3000 P.S.E.T. graduates from 2012 – 2014 in Samoa were part of the study. 

Its goal was to identify the employment status of P.S.E.T. graduates and to assess whether the education and training was relevant and required for the skills needed in their employment. 

The study also looked at why some graduates could not find jobs. 

A Tracer Study is an important source of feedback for S.Q.A., P.S.E.T providers, learners, parents and the community about the value of P.S.E.T qualifications that are awarded to graduates. 

This value is measured by the ability of graduates to gain employment and be successful in their occupations.

S.Q.A. is mandated under its Act 2010 to provide policy advice, regulate and coordinate P.S.E.T. in Samoa and to ensure sound policy advice is given to Government on P.S.E.T. matters to improve the programme.

By Joyetter Luamanu 27 October 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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