Challenges Facing Learners’ Acquisition of Employability Competencies under Competency-Based Education and Training Approach in Vocational Education and Training Centres in Tanzania

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to investigate the causes of inadequate employability competencies among vocational education and training (VET) graduates using a competency-based education and training (CBET) approach. The article identifies respondents' perspectives on the challenges of acquiring employability competencies during the civil artisans' training and learning process in VETIs under CBET and explores opinions for overcoming those challenges. Data were gathered from 126 respondents through semi-structured interviews with trainers and employers, an open-ended questionnaire for learners, and employee-focused group discussions. A qualitative exploratory approach research design was used. Thematic analysis was used to analyse documents and interview transcripts. The findings revealed that the acquisition of employability competencies is hampered by learner characteristics, insufficient training and learning resources, shortage of trainers, English language problems, training methods, and negative perception of parents and learners on VET programmes, all of which were identified in the conceptual framework and mentioned by all categories of respondents. It is likely that the challenges discovered were not novel, with the exception of a lack of internet and a scarcity of clean water and food, which were context-specific issues. As a result, the study recommends that government and VET stakeholders should ensure the availability of learning resources to enhance effective training and learning at VET. More serious English language instruction should begin in primary school, according to the government and VET stakeholders. VET trainers should improve field supervision exercises and expose trainees to the working environment where employability competencies can be imparted more easily than through classroom training alone. Trainers should also participate in workshops and industrial visits to gain skills and knowledge about labour market needs. This will improve trainers' and trainees' understanding of labour-market requirements.