The role of vocational education and training in promoting technological innovation on among small scale enterprises in Tanzania: the case of metal working enterprises in Dar es Salaam.

This study investigated the role of vocational education and training in promoting technological innovation among small scale enterprises in Tanzania, specifically metalworking enterprises. The study was carried out in Dar es Salaam, in Kinondoni District. Literature on innovation and the role of vocational training on innovation were extensively reviewed. To measure innovation, three groups of entrepreneurs were used for comparison, namely; those trained by VETA, those with apprenticeship and VETA and Non-VETA. However, those with apprenticeship and VETA were used as a control group. To achieve the desired results, questionnaire, interviews and field observation were used for data collation. The statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for data analysis. Study findings revealed that the role of vocational training in promoting technological innovation among small scale enterprises in Dar es Salaam was low. In order to respond positively to the situation, the study recommends that regular training of tacking states in order to acquire new and changing technology is required; periodic modernization of workshops/training facilities and replacing older training equipment and tools with new ones, policy strategies that focus on increasing time for the field training are required. Policy strategies that help entrepreneurs to open up new markets are required. Additionally, financial support in promoting innovation among small scale enterprises in the country is needed.