The National University System in Sri Lanka has, since its inception, provided opportunities for higher education to only a small percentage of eligible students each year. As a result, a large number of students are unable to access further studies. Although some of these students enrol in occupation-oriented technical and vocational education programmes, such pathways have not been widely popular among many capable students. This is largely due to the absence of a clear and structured route for further education and professional advancement within the technical and vocational education framework