Poverty Alleviation Through Vocational Technical Education: A Case Study of Vocational/Technical Schools in Takoradi Metropolis

ABSTRACT

This study sought to investigate into poverty alleviation through vocational and technical education in the Sekondi Takoradi Metropolis in the Western Region. It employed the descriptive survey research design and the qualitative approach for the purpose of data collection and analysis. The sample was made up of 20 teachers, 78 present students, 20 past students, 2 principals and ten H.O.Ds from YMCA Vocational Training Institute and Takoradi Technical Institute in the Takoradi metropolis using simple random and purposive sampling methods. The questionnaire and interview methods were used as the main instruments for collecting primary data. The responses were codified and entered into SPSS to generate frequency counts and 

percentages after which the results were analysed quantitatively. Contrary to the view that TVET programme should be a source of employment, the study has shown that majority of the past graduates of the programme who have not had the chance of continuing their education are unemployed. This phenomenon is as a result of the fact that TVET institutions lack training facilities and materials for practical training as well as limited number of training institutions for TVET teachers and lack of funds to support TVET. Again, it was revealed that some of the teachers lacked the requisite knowledge and skill in terms of delivering the practical aspects of TVET courses. It was established that there is gap between the training students receive in TVET institutions and the actual practical skill requirement of industry and for that matter the job market. The study therefore recommended that, there should be effective industrial attachment schemes that will enable students identify and gain practical skills required for the workplace through hands-on experience from the industry to enable graduates gain employment after school in order to alleviate poverty.