The Perception of Technical and Vocational Education and Training Programme among Ghanaians,A Case Study of ICCES Centres in the Ashanti Region

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the perception of Ghanaians on TVET programmes, a case study of ICCES in the Ashanti Region. This study employed the case study design using qualitative approach. This was because the study sought to solicit responses from Ashanti ICCES on their perception on technical and vocational education and training programmes (TVET). Purposive sampling was used to select twenty participants which include five teachers and fifteen student leaders for the study. Semi structured interview was used as the main instrument for data collection. The findings of the study revealed that the rationale behind the provision of TVET programmes in Ghana was to equip graduates from the school with the economic man power to function effectively in the society as well to lead an upright and moral life in the society. Again, the study revealed that low social acceptability for TVET schools/programmes, Parents/Guardians send their ward as last resort; and local employers of labour and their preference for foreign trained or expatriate technicians were the attitudes of Ghanaians towards the provision of TVET. Lastly the study indicated that inadequate teaching and learning materials (tools and equipments), lack of proper training and motivation for TVET teachers/instructors, and inadequate supervision for TVET students in industrial attachment/training were some of the challenges militating against the provision of TVET programmes in Ghana. The study therefore recommends that the Ministry of Education and COTVET should work together by creating the awareness to the public and the country as a whole on the benefits of technical and vocational education.