Assessing the impact of technical vocational education and training. A case study of Toh-Kpalime Vocational Training Institute in the South Dayi District of the Volta region

Abstract

The primary objective of all technical and vocational education and training programmes is the acquisition of relevant knowledge, practical skills and attitudes for gainful employment in a particular trade or occupational area. This study therefore sought to assess whether this objective has made an impact on the youth in Toh-Kpalime in the South Dayi District. Questionnaire and interview methods were employed in gathering data from 115 respondents made up of staff of Toh-Kpalime VTI, current trainees, past trainees and parents. The data collected were analyzed and presented using tables, percentages, pie charts, frequencies and bar graphs. The results were discussed extensively and the findings indicated that TVET has made an impact on the youth in job creation, employment, and improved living standard of the youth and as a means of reducing unemployment in the district. Overall testimony given by respondents indicates that the training they received have been helpful in securing suitable jobs, that allow them to generate some income. It is recommended to the government and the South Dayi District Assembly to channel part of the District Assembly Common Fund as a start-up capital for those who graduated from skills training institutions and also invest in TVET which is the surest and fastest way to reducing unemployment among the youth in the South Dayi District and Ghana as a whole.