MST-Department of Fashion, Design & Marketing

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Browsing MST-Department of Fashion, Design & Marketing by Author "Barongo, M. Jacqueline"

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    Determining Skills Gap of Tailoring and Dressmaking Graduates of Vocational Training Centres in Nairobi City County, Kenya.
    (Kenyatta University, 2024-11) Barongo, M. Jacqueline
    The Government of Kenya recognizes the critical role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in driving economic growth by equipping individuals with essential skills and competencies. This study aimed to assess the skills gaps among graduates of tailoring and dressmaking programs from Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) in Nairobi City County and propose interventions to address these gaps. The objectives of the study included evaluating the skills acquired by VTC graduates, identifying the skills required by employers, analyzing potential gaps in the tailoring and dressmaking curriculum, and recommending actions to align the training and the industry. A descriptive survey design was employed, with a sample size of 232 participants, including 6 trainers, 205 graduates, and 21 employers from 11 public VTCs and local markets in Nairobi. Quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaires, while qualitative data were gathered through structured interview guides for trainers and employers. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS for statistical analysis, and content analysis was applied to identify key themes from the qualitative responses. The study found that while graduates had strong technical skills in keeping the shop clean (mean=4.22); care and maintenance of sewing machines (mean 3.87); garment assembly and stitching (3.72) and interpretation of garment designs (3.69), significant gaps were identified in advanced skills such as customer care (mean=3.66); studying fashion trends (mean=3.63); record keeping (3.57); buying fabric (mean=3.42) and lastly marketing (mean=3.25). All these being below the average mean of 3.68. The study recommends revising the curriculum to be more industry-responsive by integrating advanced techniques, modern technologies, and soft skills into the training programs. It further suggests that both the National Government and Nairobi City County support VTCs by providing modern training tools and materials to enhance practical skills. Collaboration between training institutions and the industry is crucial to align the curriculum with real-world demands, with active employer involvement in curriculum development and training. These interventions will help close the existing skills gap and improve the employability of VTC graduates