Drivers and Barriers of Implementing a Dual VET Program in Nepal

Abstract

Purpose We analyse drivers and barriers of implementing and scaling-up a pilot project of a dual voca-tional and education program in Nepal. Design/methodology/approach The 5C protocol distinguishes five categories of drivers and barriers of education reforms: Commitment, capacity, clients, content, and context. We build on the 5C protocol to develop a qualitative empirical framework based on semi-structured interviews among stakeholders. Findings The results show that involved actors are committed. Capacity in terms of available resources also represents an implementation driver, but companies lack information about the program. Consequently, industry associations should receive a more prominent role in the motivation of companies to provide training places. The content category is the most challenging imple-mentation barrier because the program represents a substantial change compared to the cur-rent VET programs in Nepal. Originality First, we propose a framework for a qualitative content analysis to analyse the drivers and barriers of implementing and scaling-up education reforms. Second, we provide novel infor-mation about drivers and barriers of an education reform in Nepal.