What should I do after O/Ls?
Yesterday evening, after a long waiting period, 2022 G.C.E. O/L results were released to the candidates.
The exams were held from late May to June. The students had some challenging periods when preparing for the exams with the country lockdowns and schools closed for an extended period.
However, everyone did their best in the exam. And now, there may be some ups and downs with the result. So, “what should I do now?” is the question that may have in your mind.
This is not professional guidance, but to show some path for every one of you in your future carrier.
Did you pass the O/Ls?
If you pass the O/L exam with good results, the best thing to do is get ready for you’re A/Ls. Choose your path wisely in this case. Think about the stream that you love, Bio, Math’s, Technology, Commerce or Arts, etc.
First of all, talk with your parents and someone who has prior knowledge. And also, your teachers, elders with updated knowledge in the A/L subjects, or someone who is now studying at the University. Not to mention, they are the best people to get an opinion on the subject matter. That will help with the decision-making for the A/Ls.
Finally, follow your passion, not what your friends try to do or the most popular among your classmates.
Second option
There are some other career paths if you feel not doing A/L’s. BUT IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU’RE A/Ls FIRST!
Some Universities and higher study centers provide foundation courses equivalent to A/Ls, for their Bachelor courses. The Open University of Sri Lanka is a Government University which provides such courses. But you must pay for the programs. And also, external degrees such as the Bachelor of Information Technology provided by the University of Colombo provide foundation courses needed for their bachelor’s degree.
What did I do after O/Ls if I fail?
The GCE Ordinary Level examination is one of the most important exams in a student’s life. However, you may not get what you expect from the exam. But, there is always a second chance for anything. That includes your exam too. And also it’s never too late to do it again and get a good result.
But, if you think of going forward there are lots of career opportunities out there except driving a tuk-tuk around the town or becoming a gangster in the bazaar.
So, why not get a Vocational Education?
Vocational education is an education system that many people do not know and do not pay attention to. Vocational education is a way of learning that is different from the path taken by the school and university education system. The main thing that happens here is to target a specific job and provide the skills and knowledge needed to do that job.
Difference between Vocational Education System and General Education System
The basic difference between these two is what is called theory and practical. In the general education system, theoretical knowledge and research skills are mostly taught. But in the vocational education system, they are guided to develop skills such as carpentry, mechanics, electronics, hairdressing, and many more.
Aware of the benefits of vocational education and training?
This is a fact that many people do not know. Many people are not inclined towards vocational education because they do not know about this. But you can get a lot of benefits from this professional education and professional training that we don’t think.
They are;
- Paying more attention to the practical side.
- It is easy to find a job for those engaged in vocational education. Because there is a training.
- You can finish your education soon.
- A person who studies in these vocational institutes costs less than other institutes.
Not only that, most of the professional diplomas and courses which conducted by the Government, and they are free of charge. Those diplomas and courses include IT, Hotel and Tourism, Mechanical Engineering, Multimedia Electronics, and many more.
And also, there is a huge demand for these professional qualifications around the globe.
Especially, what are the institutes that conduct those programs?
Vocational Training Authority (VTA) after O/Ls.
Vocational Training Authority is a leading institute in Sri Lanka in providing employment demand by developing competencies in individuals through modern methods and technologies in vocational training and education.
And also, they have a vast area of courses to follow :
- Agriculture Plantation and Livestock
- Automobile Repair and Maintenance
- Building and Construction
- Electrical and Electronic and Telecommunication
- Fisheries & Aquaculture
- Food Technology
- Gem and Jewellery
- Health and Social Work
- Hotel and Tourism
- Information Communication and Multimedia Technology (ICT)
- Leather and Foot ware
- Metal and Light Engineering
- Office Management
- Personal Community Development
- Printing and Packaging
- Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
- Textile and Garments
- Wood Related
- Automation Technology
Most of them seek only 06 Credits for your O.L. results.
And also, some courses are specially designed for foreign employment.
Technical Colleges In every District
However, there are 38 technical colleges in Sri Lanka. Not to mention, there is no need to panic after O/Ls, you can register in your nearest technical college and gain a professional qualification.
- Maradana College of Technology
- Galle College of Technology
- Ampara College of Technology
- Kandy College of Technology
- Jaffna College of Technology
- Anuradhapura College of Technology
- Badulla College of Technology
- Rathnapura College of Technology
- Kurunegala College of Technology
- Ceylon College of Technology
- Technical College Embilipitiya
- Technical College Homagama
- Technical College Ratmalana
- Technical College Kalutara
- Technical College Kegalle
- Technical College Matara
- Technical College Balapitiya
- Technical College Beliatta
- Technical College Weerawila
- Technical College Warakapola
- Technical College Pathadumbara
- Technical College Kuliyapitiya
- Technical College Anamaduwa
- Technical College Wariyapola
- Technical College Pathadumbara
- Technical College Matale
- Technical College Dambulla
- Technical College Hasalaka
- Technical College Nuwara-Eliya
- Technical College Bandarawela
- Technical College Monaragala
- Technical College Dehiattakandiya
- Technical College Batticaloa
- Technical College Sammanthurai
- Technical College Trincomalee
- Technical College Akkareipattu
- Technical College Polonnaruwa
- Technical College Vauniya
NAITA (National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority)
The NAITA is the number one eminent state body having the capacity of providing industry-acceptable technical and vocational training for youths with different abilities through island-wide industrial and institutional-based training providing a system with fully-fledged updated training facilities and techniques.
Not only that, they are providing some professional courses that comply with local and international requirements.
Ceylon- German Technical Training Institute (CGTTI or German Tec)
CGTTI or most commonly remember as German tec is another great vocational training body in Sri Lanka with great technical training programs. There is a huge market in the industry for the students who pass out from this. Not only locally but also at the International level.
There is a variety of courses from Electrical, Mechanical to Automobile and also to Civil Engineering. You can explore more courses by visiting the German Tec Website.
National Youth Services Council Sri Lanka.
National Youth Services Council is also another vocational training facility in Sri Lanka. This also provides a valid NVQ Qualification and proper vocational education to the students.
There are a variety of courses that can be followed here from Automobile, IT, Cooking, Beautician, Electrical technician, and many more. And also, all the courses are affordable and a valid certificate can be gained after finishing the course. You can follow up on more details through their website.
