A Structural Approach Towards Reinvigorating Student Satisfaction in Industrial Training Institutes – A Contemplating Outlook

Abstract

The research paper focused to conceptualize and empirically test the conceptual model of student satisfaction proposed for Indian vocational education and training (VET), precisely industrial training institutes (ITIs). Even though the upgradation of ITIs through public - private partnership (PPP) is emphasized from the previous decade, little empirical evidence exists about the quality of the institutes. Improved quality in ITIs helps in increased employability of the students and would help in meeting India’s projected skill demand of 191 million youths by 2022. Empirical data were collected from upgraded ITIs of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana states to assess student satisfaction. Student satisfaction gives the measure of student feedback on the quality of the courses. PLS - SEM was applied to develop measurement and structural models. Subsequently, statistical values were used to estimate the validity and reliability of the models. Besides, the predictive accuracy of the model was also tested. The data analysis assisted to ascertain whether to accept or reject the hypothesized relations proposed based on the conceptual model. The results proved that institute quality factors were positively correlated with student satisfaction. Eventually, it was observed that industry exposure was a significant determinant of student satisfaction followed by training facilities & equipment, trainer credibility, learning environment, and placement and counseling services. Above all being said, it can be posited that focusing on the above all quality factors would help in enhancing the quality of ITIs