Editorial: Technical & Vocational Training Is Not For School Drop Outs

The outgoing Director-General of the Ghana Technical, Vocational Education and Training Service (TVETS), Mawusi Nudekor Awity, has urged the youth to embrace TVET training as a result of its positive impact on the economy. She said the government’s decision to fully embrace and recognise TVET education was the surest way to improve the economy, through the provision of employable skills for the teaming youth who completed their studies.

Ms Awity noted that since 2021 when she took over as the first Director-General of GTVET, she had ensured that most of the TVET institutions across the country had received facelifts in the area of infrastructure, equipment training and quality tuition. That, she said, was a testament that could be verified in almost all the regional capitals.

She noted that currently, TVET training has provided the required opportunities for trainees to further their educational skills and attain tertiary education in the various technical universities in the country.

The notion that technical and vocational education was for those who were not knowledgeable is a thing of the past. Ms Awity further intimated that GTVET had, for the past years, liaised with industry players and given students who enrolled in the sector the needed experience and knowledge to improve and sharpen their skills while on the field. This had created an atmosphere for a great relationship between industry and the institutions where TVET was taught.

The Chronicle agrees with the Director General of TVET on urging the youth to embrace TVET training as a result of its positive impact on the economy. In a rapidly evolving global market where traditional academic routes often lead to saturated job markets and limited opportunities, TVET offers a pragmatic alternative. The provision of employable skills through technical and vocational education directly addresses the growing concerns of youth unemployment in Ghana.

The government’s full embrace and recognition of TVET as an integral part of the educational system is indeed a strategic move. It aligns with global trends where economies that prioritise vocational training experience lower unemployment rates and higher levels of innovation.

For a country like Ghana, which is on the cusp of industrialisation, a well-developed TVET sector can serve as the backbone for economic transformation, fostering the growth of a skilled workforce ready to meet the demands of modern industries.

The facelift of TVET institutions across the country is a testament to the strategic investments made during her tenure. The visible improvements in almost all regional capitals reflect a deliberate effort to make TVET more attractive to the youth, dispelling the long-held misconception that technical and vocational education is a last resort for those who are not academically inclined.

The modernised facilities and upgraded equipment provide students with a conducive learning environment, further validating TVET as a viable and respectable educational pathway.

Moreover, the integration of TVET with tertiary education opportunities in technical universities is a groundbreaking development. It opens doors for TVET graduates to further their education, acquire advanced skills and pursue specialized careers. This integration not only enhances the prospects for TVET graduates but also elevates the overall perception of vocational education in the country.

One of the most profound challenges that TVET has faced over the years is the negative perception that it is only for those who are not academically gifted. The efforts of the outgoing Director-General of TVETS have been pivotal in changing this narrative.

The success of TVET graduates in the job market, coupled with the opportunities for further education, has proven that vocational training is not just an alternative but a strategic choice that can lead to fulfilling and lucrative careers. The notion that TVET is a “second-best” option is rapidly becoming obsolete, as more young people recognize the value of acquiring practical skills that are in high demand in the job market.

Industry-education linkage is a critical component of a successful TVET system. It ensures that the training provided is not only theoretical but also practical, giving students the opportunity to apply what they have learned in real-world settings.

This approach not only enhances the employability of TVET graduates but also fosters innovation and productivity within industries, contributing to the overall economic growth of the nation.

As Ms. Awity exits the public sector, her legacy leaves behind a TVET system that is more robust, more respected, and more aligned with the economic needs of the country. However, the success of TVET in driving economic transformation ultimately depends on the willingness of the youth to embrace it.

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