Enhancing Environmental Sustainability in Technical and Vocational Education: The Role of Quality Assurance in Aligning TVET with the Sustainable Development Agenda
摘要
This study investigates the integration of environmental sustainability into Bah-rain’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system, emphasizing the role of quality assurance (QA) as a strategic enabler. Grounded in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 13 (Climate Action), the research investigates how QA frameworks enhance institutional practices, align training programs with green economy demands, and promote environmental stewardship across TVET institutions. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study gathered data from 24 private TVET institutions through surveys, semi-structured interviews, and site observations. Triangulated analysis exposed broad conceptual support for sustainability among stakeholders but highlighted significant implementation gaps, including outdated curricula, weak operational practices, limited industry collaboration, and a lack of policy directives. In response, the paper introduces the Environmental Bahrain Quality Assurance (eBQA) Framework, a context-specific model adapted from international best practices (UNESCO- UNEVOC, ILO) and aligned with Bahrain’s educational and labor market priorities. The eBQA Framework is built on six core pillars: institutional leadership, curriculum integration, student engagement, sustainable operations, industry collaboration, and research and innovation. The findings inform a set of targeted recommendations for policymakers, training institutions, and industry stakeholders to build a cohesive, QA-driven strategy for greening TVET. This study contributes to the developing body of research on sustainable vocational education and offers a replicable model for countries seeking to embed environ-mental sustainability within QA systems.