TVET critical for nation building

Ghana must cry for whatever would bring job opportunities and self-employment to the youth in order to mitigate the rate of unemployment. 

For me, the 24-hour economy policy being preached by the flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress Party (NDC) would not materialise if some policies in the educational sector are not changed. 

For Ghana to realise that pace of development, skills development that will equip individual students with practical skills are needed in various industries to enhance employability.

It is a fact that Technical Vocational Education (TVET) has helped a lot of countries in addressing youth unemployment.  It also supports economic development by providing a skilled workforce that meets industry expectations or demands.

Additionally, TVET will eventually encourage innovation and increase productivity through specialised training for the youth. Consequently, TVET can reduce unemployment when we focus much attention on assisting students who are talented and gifted in science and technological fields for available jobs.  

Sponsorship

When our students are encouraged and sponsored to offer courses in this field, the government will not suffer in employing the less privileged.

TVET promotes and fosters the skills and encourages self-employment and small business development, which can eventually contribute to sustainable practices through training in green technologies and sustainable industries.

To add to the above, TVET is essential for creating a skilled workforce that drives the economy for social progress.  

It is, therefore, important that we not only focus on grammar education, but give much attention to whatever will make the youth self-reliant. That is what we need to focus on for the development of the country by giving the youth quality education. 

Individuals

TVET equips individuals with practical skills and knowledge tailored to specific industries by focusing on hands-on experience and relevant technical skills. 

As a course, TVET enhances employability, meets labour market demands, and fosters entrepreneurship, playing a crucial role in not only reducing youth unemployment but promoting economic growth.

I expect to see that all the political manifestos are tailored towards making the youth employable. It must be noted that TVET will eventually contribute to the growth of Gross Domestic Product by enhancing the skills of the workforce, increasing productivity and meeting the labour market.

It is equally important to train more teachers in this field to enable them to effectively transfer their knowledge to our workforce to help bridge the skill gap, promote hands-on learning and foster innovation in the various sectors.

Additionally, well-trained teachers can better equip students in practical skills and knowledge, making vocational education more effective. Research shows that our schools lack adequate infrastructure to enable 'one-touch admission and accommodation.".

There is therefore the need to ensure that there is enough accommodation on the campuses of our TVET schools to ensure effective teaching and learning as well as proper supervision just like most of the senior high schools.

As it is now, most of the teachers, especially the heads and auxillary staff, stay far away from the schools, while most of them are day schools.  

Furthermore, TVET institutions need resources such as libraries, laboratories and technology centres in order to entice students to opt for TVET education. Ghana needs TVET for youth employment and development.

The writer is a former Public Relations Officer, Ghana Education Service Headquarters