The Pearson BTEC Higher Education Forum 2024, held at the Lotus Ballroom, Shangri-La Colombo, celebrated the achievements of top-performing Pearson-approved BTEC centres in Sri Lanka. British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Andrew Patrick, graced the event as the Chief Guest, highlighting the strong educational ties between the UK and Sri Lanka.
This annual forum, hosted by Pearson UK, is a significant event for the country’s higher education sector, honouring institutions delivering Pearson BTEC qualifications. Awards were presented in Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze categories, alongside special recognitions for exceptional performance in 2023. The event also marked 50 years of Pearson’s service in Sri Lanka and 25 years of offering BTEC qualifications.
Andrew Patrick highlighted Sri Lanka’s position as Pearson’s second-largest international market for BTEC qualifications, with over 100,000 students from more than 40 institutions benefiting from its globally recognised 2+1 model. “BTEC qualifications offer an affordable route to a UK top-up degree, equipping students with practical skills for today’s global economy,” he said.
Pearson South Asia Director for Employability and Qualifications, Premila Paulraj, emphasised the impact of BTEC in enhancing employability and contributing to the growth of a skilled workforce. Deputy General Manager for Pearson in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Suriya Bibile, noted significant growth in 2023, with more students choosing the BTEC pathway to meet academic and career goals.
BTEC qualifications, aligned with the UK’s Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ), are recognised globally, offering pathways to employment or further studies. Their applied learning approach equips students with practical, interpersonal, and critical thinking skills, valued by employers and academic institutions worldwide.
The forum served not only as a platform to recognise excellence but also as a celebration of the broader impact of BTEC qualifications in Sri Lanka, fostering a skilled and competitive workforce for the future.