TECHNICAL VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING (TVET) AND INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIP FOR EQUIPPING YOUTHS FOR THE OCCUPATIONS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Nigerian education system is guilty of inability to equip learners with skills they need to function productively in industries. Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) is education designed to equip learners with functional skills to enable them fit effectively into the workplace. Gap exists between TVET products and their effectiveness in the industries for which they received TVET due to limited partnership between TVET and industries during learners’ preparation. Abdullah (2015) stated that partnerships between vocational education and training (VET) providers and industry can be a mutually useful strategy in providing workforce training and in maintaining knowledgeable employees. Partnership consists of collaboration between the TVET institution and industry, involving exposing trainees to industry operations during schooling. Issues, causes and consequences of the gap between TVET and the industries are discussed and models of partnership between industry and TVET are identified like the market, the school and dual-system models. Vocational education programmes (VEPS) that provide opportunities for learners to gain industry experience like work-study, on-the-job training and cooperative training programmes are discussed. Recommendations on appropriate partnerships between TVET and industries followed.