Employers ‘perceptions about the employability of technical, vocational education and training graduates in Uganda.

Abstract

Aims: The study aimed at determining employers’ perceptions about the employability of Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) graduates in Uganda. Determining employability skills from the employer’s perspective is crucial to develop these skills among the students while at the training institutions. Study Design: Survey. Place and Duration of Study: Sample: Employers of TVET graduates in Uganda. Between February 2018 to August 2018. Methodology: The study adopted and modified a SCANS (Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills) questionnaire. Sample: The study involved 50 respondents selected from different employing organizations. Results: The findings indicated that most employers agreed that the graduates possessed the basic skills (average mean=3.91), ICT skills (average mean=3.87), and interpersonal skills required for work (average mean=3.61). However, there were negative perceptions regarding their decision making (mean= 2.39), reasoning (mean=2.96), self-esteem (mean=2.92), sociability’ (mean=2.90), integrity/honesty (mean= 2.60), money (mean=2.57), materials and facilities management (mean=2.67); understanding systems (mean=2.79), monitoring and correcting performance (mean=2.40), and improving systems (mean=2.24). Further, that most employers don’t participate in curriculum design (50%). Conclusion: TVET institutions should endeavor to improve on the negatively perceived aspects to instill the necessary employability skills among the graduates to make them readily employable.