Institutional Engineering Technical Vocational Education and Training Practices and Implications for Alignment with Industry Skills Requirements in Selected Central Kenya Counties
Loading...
Date
2023
Authors
Wahungu, Daniel Kirogo
Wawire, Violet
Kirimi, Francis
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Reviewed Journal of Education Practice
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to scrutinize institutional engineering Technical Vocational Education and
Training practices and implications for alignment with industry skills requirements in selected Central Kenya
counties. There are concerns that engineering TVET training practices are not aligned to the industry and this
mismatch has implications for the supply of skills to the labour market and youth unemployment. The study
based its theoretical explanations on the Human Capital theory whose basic tenet is that education and
training are investments that make individuals more productive and more employable, thus economic
efficiency. Literature review in this study isolated several gaps including the need for soft skills alongside the
technical competencies, the need for the industry to take the initiative for collaboration in order to cut on the
cost of retraining and reorienting staff since they are the consumers of the skilled labour from TVET
institutions. To realize the objective of the study, a descriptive survey using both qualitative and quantitative
methods was utilized. The study utilized 489 participants comprising 339 trainers, 3 Directors (TVET, KAM
and LIWA), 24 representatives of industries working with TVET, 64 TVET engineering trainees and 59 TVET
engineering trainees who have graduated. The Study mainly utilized questionnaires, interview guide and
Focus Group Discussions. For the purpose of triangulation, a document analysis and direct observation were
used. A pilot study was conducted on the research instruments in order to increase validity and reliability.
Collected qualitative data was scored manually then organized and analysed systematically as per thematic
areas in a narrative form as well as tabular form. Quantitative data was analysed using the Statistical
Package for the Social Sciences. The collected data was thematically analyzed as per the study objectives. The
findings of the study indicated that despite the renewed efforts to revamp TVET education in Kenya and
developing countries in general, there is a significant gap between the skills required by the industry and the
training offered in engineering courses in TVET institutions and which has partly contributed to the rising
unemployment among the youth in the country. Based on the study findings, the study presented a number of
policy recommendations including adoption of Collaborative Training Model.
Description
Article
Keywords
TVET Engineering Practices, Skills Gaps, Industry Requirements, Industry Alignment, Employability
Citation
Wahungu, D. K., Wawire, V., & Kirimi, F. (2023), Institutional engineering technical vocational education and training practices and implications for alignment with industry skills requirements in selected Central Kenya counties. Reviewed Journal of Education Practice, 4 (1), 56 – 70