Higher Technical and Vocational Education and Training Programmes and Its Impact on the Libyan Manufacturing Industry

Abstract

Rapid developments in technology and manufacturing industry have made many occupations and trades, such as turners, machinists and grinders, and draftsmen- obsolete, while others need to be modified. Manufacturing industry in Libya has suffered from a shortage of skilled and semi-skilled manpower. In the 1990s, a network of Higher Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges was introduced in Libya to enhance the supply of skilled manpower. This paper presents initial results from a survey of students at TVET colleges. It explores their perception regarding TVET programmes as well as workrelated issues in Libya. The main aim of this research is to investigate the current skills gaps in manufacturing sector. To achieve this goal a questionnaire has been designed, and distributed to students at higher education to explore their views in this regard. The study indicated a direct relationship between the needs of the industrial sector and technical disciplines, where education is the output of the most important technical inputs to the manufacturing industry. The results also indicated how to improve technical programmes which will help serve the community by providing students with adequate technical information.