Investigation of artisans' training and their employability in Mbeya city

The purpose of this study was to investigate how Vocational Technical Institutions (VTIs) trained artisans for employment, the VET graduates performed their work at the labour market and other aspects influenced training of VTTs in VTIs. The focus was to examine the prerequisites and quality of available inputs in VTIs as well as implementation processes of the curriculum of VET under CBET approach; to investigate the outputs and the outcomes of the implementation processes; and to explore contextual issues that affected the training of employable artisans. Qualitative approach and case study research design informed the study. Data were collected from: principals, instructors and trainees of four VTIs, managers of six firms, a CTEO and some of VET graduates. A total number of 75 participants obtained through purposive, snowball and convenience sampling techniques were involved in the study. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, FGDs, observation and observation-checklist in classroom and workshop learning, documentary review and post discussion or informal discussion. The findings indicate that shortage of adequate instructors, facilities, qualified trainees; moderate use of participatory approach and formative assessment procedures affected the training process of artisans in VTIs. As results, most VET graduates were not competent, consequently unemployable upon graduation. Their incompetence was also influenced by most trainees' lack of commitment when participating in training in VTIs and tolerance to participate in apprenticeship training. All in all, VET graduates were employable after participating in apprenticeship training; such artisans performed well their work than artisans who learnt in on job training alone. Furthermore, self-employment was found less possible by most of VET graduates; instead, it was likely for those who had acquired skills in on-job training. On the other hand, commitments of most instructors in VTIS and their experience of work, good curriculum of VET under CBET approach; and commitment of few trainees during training period contributed to preparation of fewer employable artisans upon graduation. The study recommends that partnership kind of training between VTIs and industries should be encouraged and strengthened. VET trainees should be heartened to attain self-employment after graduation. Furthermore, commitment of all parties involved in instructional-learning processes and the government support on VET system is necessary for effective training of employable artisans in VTIs. The study also recommends for further studies that a comparative study should be done to determine the effectiveness between CBET and Trade Tests system, using 'Kiswahili' and English Language for preparation of employable VET graduates; whether the national budget allocated to VET accommodate the needs; and whether the quality of VET provided in VTIs relate to the performance of VET trainees in their final examinations. Other study should be done to determine whether the income generation of VET graduates motivate young people to undertake VET in VTIs