bens_job

Purpose or aim of volunteer placement:

The purpose is to enhance the potential for future employment of rural and urban youth by providing them with a good standard of education and to offer a broader range of choices and opportunities for further education or employment.

The overall aim is to ensure resources within the Technical Training Institute are effectively and efficiently well managed to provide students and staff with the necessary support to enable an excellent standard of training.

Background information (history, status, staffing, management style, structure)

GTTI was inaugurated in 1980 and began operations in 1983 with the provision of Craft level programmes in a variety of technical and commercial disciplines through City & Guilds, Royal Society of Arts (RSA) and Pitman qualifications.   Since then the Institute has expanded its range and level of provision to provide the highest level of technical-vocational training in the country. The institution aims to contribute to the industrial and commercial development of the country by providing the educated and skilled personnel required to fill middle level manpower positions in both the public and private sectors.

GTTI has about 1,100 students and the Director Mr. M. Njie gained both his degrees and teaching qualifications in Britain. He is a frequent visitor to the UK establishing links with Universities for external validation of courses run at GTTI.

GTTI is facilitating the introduction of the first University in The Gambia by offering its facilities, lecturers and appropriate courses at HND and degree level. GTTI�s contribution to this new University will be mainly in the fields of General Engineering, Construction and Computer Studies.

The Institute is now embarking on a review and improvement of their management systems and processes and are appointing a completely new Senior Management Team. The Director is supported by 2 Deputy Directors (one for Academic and one for Admin and Resources). Both Deputy Directors will be newly in post.   When addressing problems it is very important to work within the protocol of the Institution and adhere to the hierarchical structure and not the reverse.

Resources (including funding, finances, facilities and equipment) and Funding

GTTI operates on monthly subventions from government funding, receipt of which can at times be erratic, and therefore affects resources and supply of equipment and materials.   All courses at GTTI are fee-paying bringing in an extra source of revenue, however, the collection of fees is a major source of concern to students who often find it difficult to raise the necessary fees and this again affects the smooth operation of the college.

Some of the students receive sponsorship from private individuals, employing organisations such as GAMTEL, and the NYSS Scheme, currently sponsoring approximately 200 students. There are also funds from various external agencies and projects contributing to the running of the College.

Facilities & Equipment

GTTI, in comparison with other educational establishments has a high standard of facilities, however, there is also room for improvement.   The equipment required to run the courses is not always available or not to a standard appropriate for the level being taught.

Key Duties and responsibilities of the volunteer (as specific and detailed as possible)

This is a new position within GTTI although VSO have been supporting this institution for many years.    They are now embarking on a review and improvement of their management systems and processes and are appointing a completely new Senior Management Team.   This placement will report to the Director, and will essentially involve the volunteer in mentoring the newly appointed Deputy Director and will include the following duties and responsibilities:-

* To review the current systems and processes in use throughout GTTI in the management of resources
* To assist the newly appointed Deputy Director Resources designate in the design and development of new and revised systems
* To assist the new Deputy Director and the Chief Accountant in revising the financial management structures to support the efficient use of resources
* To assist the newly appointed Deputy Director in the management of budgetary delegation and to provide in service training for Management and Heads of Departments as required.
* To assist management in implementing the computerisation of financial management systems
* To assist the Registrar�s office in the implementation and utilisation of the Management Information System, and train the management team in the use of the said system.
* To evaluate on a monthly basis, procedures and practices.