A Critical Review of the Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET), as a Catalyst for Skills Enhancement in Rural Industrial Development: A Case of Bulawayo Polytechnic
Author : Ruvengo Leonard, Chingozha Misheck P, Chingozha Yeyukai and Nhongo Eria
Abstract :
The reality that the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) can be adopted as a catalyst for skill enhancement in rural industrial development needs no contestation. There are numerous socio-economic challenges faced by rural areas that characterize the rural communities, resultantly the study sought to establish whether TVET programs at Bulawayo Polytechnic effectively crafted so as to equip students with the appropriate skills for success in the rural industrial sector. With these skill it is envisaged that the students will be sufficiently gravitated so as to deal with the many challenges that are faced by their communities. The study also sought to examine the challenges encountered and explore opportunities for improvement of TVET programs for Skill Enhancement in Rural Industrial Development. A mixed-methods approach was used in this study. Research subjects included staff and former students from Bulawayo Polytechnic, selected through probability and non-probability sampling. Data was collected using questionnaires and interviews, with quantitative results presented in graphs and qualitative data presented in themes. Descriptive statistics was used for quantitative analysis, while thematic analysis was used for qualitative data. The findings highlighted the crucial role of TVET programs at Bulawayo Polytechnic in fostering skills for rural industrial development. The study showed that programs at Bulawayo Polytechnic provided students with practical skills such as machinery operation, welding, and electrical installation, aligning with local industry needs, enhancing employment creation soon after graduation. However, challenges like inadequate funding, limited access to modern equipment, outdated curricula, and weak local industry partnerships while at school hampered internship and training opportunities. The research identified areas for improvement, such as modernizing the curriculum, strengthening business relationships, and adopting innovative training techniques. Recommendations to enhance TVET effectiveness included establishing dedicated funding, regularly updating curricula, and fostering industry collaborations, leveraging technology, and ensuring ongoing professional development for instructors. Implementing these strategies could significantly improve Bulawayo Polytechnic's TVET programs and better prepare graduates for the rural industrial sector.
Keywords :
Skill Enhancement, Rural Industrial Development, TVET.
