The Role of Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in a Systematized Industrial Revolution in Zimbabwe
Author : Ruvengo Leonard, Chingozha Misheck P, Nhongo Eria and Chingozha Yeyukai
Abstract :
The 2016 A-level STEM Initiative was the first step of the STEM-driven Industrial Revolution in Zimbabwe. Its focus was to produce the first raw materials for Systematized universities. In essence, this was a narrow focus on a small number of students being prepared for Systematized university degree programs. To achieve this magnitude of a revolution, Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) under the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development must be reconfigured to pursue a broad STEM-based education system in line with the education 5.0 mantra. The study sought to gather views of TVET trainees and course coordinators in polytechnics on the role of TVET in the promotion of a STEM-driven Industrial Revolution. It was a case study of Bulawayo Polytechnic in which both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to collect data on views of trainees and course coordinators in Polytechnics. Questionnaires and in-depth interviews were used to collect data from a random sample of 194 TVET trainees and 14 course coordinators across the eight divisions and departments in the institution. Results of the investigation largely indicated that TVET through the science and technology component in the ministry must lead the country’s tertiary education system as well as permeating every facet of human capital planning, development and training. There is also need for TVET to spearhead a culture of embracing cutting-edge technologies and research-driven innovation, creating unique competitive advantages for Zimbabwe among trainees. Policy-makers also have the prerogative of shaping and directing the national talent pipeline in the direction where national needs beckon. It will have the capacity to create new products, devices, industries and markets for Zimbabwe.
Keywords :
Technical and vocational education and training, science, technology, engineering and mathematics, industrial revolution
