17.     Functions and powers of Authority

            (1) The Authority shall co-ordinate and promote vocational training in Botswana.

            (2) Without derogating from the generality of subsection (1), the Authority shall-

     (a)     promote access to training opportunities in vocational training on an equitable basis;

     (b)     accredit, register and monitor both public and private training institutions to ensure adherence to the required standard and quality of training and to minimise variability between the training institutions;

     (c)     develop and review national training standards for the various qualification levels within the Framework in order to form a clear and consistent system that is relevant to the needs of the various sectors of the economy;

     (d)     approve and guide the development of new and emerging vocations to meet the requirements of the diversifying economy;

     (e)     guide the development of programme courses and curricula in vocational training;

     (f)      accredit, monitor and evaluate the implementation of programme courses for a comprehensive development of the individual, the economy and the society;

     (g)     initiate, monitor and evaluate pilot programme courses for further development of vocational training;

     (h)     co-ordinate the production of teaching and learning materials in accordance with programme courses and curricula;

     (i)      accredit and register teachers for vocational training and ensure that standards of teaching, assessment and grading are maintained;

     (j)      develop a national training awards system in accordance with the Framework;

     (k)     establish a data base and initiate relevant surveys in matters relating to vocational training;

     (l)      regulate assessment and testing within the vocational training system being developed;

     (m)    declare any trade to be an apprenticeable trade and regulate any matter relating to apprenticeship training;

     (n)     initiate, support and conduct research in the area of vocational training nationally and internationally and disseminate research outcomes in order to enhance the quality and relevance of the vocational training system being developed; and

     (o)     establish links with national and international institutions to draw from their experience in the development of a vocational training system.

            (3) The Authority may exercise and perform such other powers and functions as may be conferred on it by this Act, or any other law.

            (4) The Board may, in writing, delegate any of the powers and functions of the Authority to the Chief Executive Officer or any other officer or employee of the Authority.

18.     Directions by Minister

            (1) The Minister may, after consultation with the Board, give such general or specific directions, not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, or as to the policy to be followed by the Authority in the performance of its functions under this Act as appears to the Minister to be necessary, and the Authority shall as soon as practicable give effect to any such direction.

            (2) The Minister may, on the recommendations of the Board, close any training institution.

19.     Power to require information

            (1) The Authority shall have the power to require, from any training institution such information including accounts, returns or estimates as the Authority deems it necessary, to carry out its functions under this Act.

            (2) If so requested by the Authority, the training institution shall give the Authority access to or provide it with such information as the Authority may require and the Authority shall be entitled to make copies or take extracts from any information.

            (3) Information provided by any training institution shall not be false or misleading.

            (4) The Chief Executive Officer, employee or officer of the Authority shall not disclose to any other person any information so acquired if that disclosure would be detrimental to the training institution the information was obtained from, except where-

     (a)     civil or criminal proceedings arise involving that training institution;

     (b)     the Chief Executive Officer, employee or officer of the Authority is summoned to appear before a court of competent jurisdiction in Botswana and the court orders the disclosure of the information;

     (c)     the information is required by the Chief Executive Officer, employee or officer, or by an auditor or legal representative of the Authority, who is entitled to know the information in the course of professional duties in matters related to the objectives of this Act.

            (5) Any person who contravenes any of the provisions of this section shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding P5000.

20.     Botswana National Vocational Qualifications Framework

            (1) The Authority shall establish the National Vocational Qualifications Framework for the purpose of providing the basis for accreditation and determination of equivalencies of vocational qualifications, which framework shall be linked to any other qualification and accreditation within the overall qualification framework of the education system in Botswana.

            (2) The Framework shall consist of the following levels of qualifications to be certified by appropriate testing after relevant training and adequate work experience-

     (a)     Foundation Level which includes a broad based initial training and reflects competence to perform, under supervision, a limited range of work activities;

     (b)     Intermediate Level which includes competence to perform, with minimum guidance and supervision, routine jobs and some non routine jobs; and

     (c)     Certificate Level which includes competence to perform tasks associated with skilled jobs of non routine and complex nature and indicates potential for supervisory functions.