Vocational Education Graduates Research Articles

Contribution of Vocational Educational Training on Promoting Self Employment in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania

The study was based on the contribution of vocational educational training to promoting self-employment in Tanzania in Morogoro Municipality. Specifically, the study determined the relevance of skills acquired and the skills actualized by Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA) Graduates and the Constraints that hinder the VETA graduates from getting into self-employment. This study was guided by a human capital theory which was propounded by Gary Becker and Theodore Schultz, in the 1950s and early 1960s. The theory states that “the more one invests in his/her education, the more returns one should receive in the form of earnings. Data were collected through questionnaires and interviews. Qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis and quantitative data were analyzed through descriptive analysis including index scale measurement. The findings indicated that self-employed VETA graduates performed their duties to generate income for their livelihood. There were different specializations that VETA graduates had, some specialized in driving, however, they were not employed as drivers, and instead, they were self-employed as motorcycle drivers driving commercial motorcycles. The relevance of the skills acquired and the skills actualized was determined by the curriculum used and what was taught in colleges. Also, VETA students have higher expectations of getting employment after graduation. The study concluded that the skills acquired by the VETA graduates are the most likely to be the activities performed by VETA graduates in generating income for their family livelihood. It also concluded that VETA graduates experienced similar constraints when taught about self-employment. The government should make sure that the colleges have advanced and more current equipment to make sure students are well up-to-date with current technology

The Role of Industrial Internships in Developing Work Self-Efficacy for Automotive Engineering Students

Ideally, vocational education graduates have the readiness and desire to work after graduation through various experiences at school. Industrial internships in vocational education are expected to support graduates' readiness to know the world of work according to their field of expertise. An anomaly, where so far it is suspected that there are still many vocational education graduates who are unemployed or work because they do not have the desire to work. This study aims to understand the role of the student experience in participating in an industrial internship program on automotive students' work self-efficacy at Yogyakarta State University (YSU). This is survey research with a student population of 102 people. A questionnaire was given to sample of industrial internship participants who were taken at simple random sampling from 91 people. The data were analysed using quantitative descriptive method and Partial Least Square Structural Equation Models using Smart PLS 3 software. The results showed that the developed instrument was proven to be valid for use and had a good estimate of reliability. Most students get internship experience in the good and very good categories. Some students have work self-efficacy in the high and very high categories after industrial internships. The experience of participating in industrial internships is proven to have a positive and significant contribution to student work self-efficacy. It is important for vocational education institutions, especially in the automotive sector, to support industrial internship programs that provide an optimal student experience.

Проблемы формирования организационно-экономического механизма подготовки специалистов для предприятий авиакосмической отрасли региона

The increasing demand for graduates of secondary vocational education for the aerospace industry in the region in connection with changes in the labor market leads to the need to improve the training of specialists in order to meet the long-term needs of society. The article examines the current state of staffing of enterprises of the aerospace industry in the region, the features of the aerospace industry that determine the requirements for training specialists. The purpose of the study was to identify the problems of forming an organizational and economic mechanism for training personnel for enterprises, a conceptual model of practice-oriented training of specialists was considered, an analysis of the requests and expectations of students in secondary vocational education programs was carried out to study aspects of building an educational trajectory.

The effect of educational aspirations on labor market outcomes in secondary vocational education in Africa

The study explores the relationship between educational aspirations and labour market outcomes among African secondary vocational education students. It reveals that students with vocational education are more aware of labour market demands and desire to acquire skills that align with industry needs. However, disparities in access to quality vocational training and societal perceptions of vocational education significantly impact students' aspirations. A comprehensive systematic literature review was explored to examine the impact of educational aspirations on labour market outcomes in secondary vocational education in Africa, focusing on countries like Nigeria and Ghana. The review focuses on studies published between 2010 and 2024, reflecting current trends and challenges vocational education graduates face. The study identifies key labour market outcomes linked to vocational education, including employment rates, job stability, and income levels. Graduates of vocational programs secure employment more rapidly than general education students but face challenges in advancing their careers due to limited opportunities for further training and professional development. The research calls for policy interventions to enhance the quality and perception of vocational education in Africa, ensuring that they meet immediate labour market needs and empower young people to achieve their long-term career aspirations. This research can potentially inform vocational education policy in Africa by developing targeted strategies to enhance the effectiveness of vocational training programs. Adapting policies that align vocational education with labour market demands can create a more responsive educational system that addresses the needs of both students and employers.

Development of A Workplace Learning Model to Improve Skills Competency of Vocational School Students

This research aims to develop a workplace learning model to improve the catering skills of tourism vocational school students by building a conceptual foundation that considers the industrial situation. This development research uses Design-Based Research (DBR) comprising planning, learning interactions, and evaluation stages for students, supervisors, and instructors. This study analyzes data using qualitative and quantitative descriptive methods. This research produces industrial practical learning tools (WPL) in the form of guidebooks for teachers, instructors and students. How to study in industry, the implementation process, ideal criteria, and completion of study contracts are outlined. Increasing student catering skills competency through industrial learning based on a measurable field approach. How students can absorb, adopt tacit and explicit knowledge in industry is a value in itself. Research findings and concepts can be used for further development so that the quality of vocational education graduates can be considered.

Стратегии выхода выпускников СПО на рынок труда: социологический анализ

Введение. Выпускники образовательных организаций СПО сталкиваются с рядом трудностей при выходе на рынок труда. Среди основных причин – отсутствие практического опыта, неразвитость системы взаимодействия образовательных организаций с работодателями, несоответствие желаемого уровня заработной платы реальному. Цель. Анализ стратегий выхода студентов профессиональных образовательных организаций на рынок труда с учетом региональной специфики и ресурсной обеспеченности семей. Методы. В основе анализа – социологическое исследование, проведенное Центром экономики непрерывного образования РАНХиГС весной 2023 года среди 1098 учащихся выпускных курсов образовательных организаций СПО трех регионов – Свердловской, Волгоградской и Ивановской областей. Регионы отбирались с учетом географического положения и места в рейтинге социально-экономического положения регионов. Результаты. Исследованы планы обучающихся профессиональных образовательных организаций (ПОО) после получения диплома, а также роль ПОО в содействии занятости молодежи. Научная новизна. Представлены прожективные модели трудоустройства выпускников СПО. Практическая значимость. Результаты исследования могут быть полезны при разработке управленческих и организационных решений, направленных на совершенствование молодежной политики в сфере занятости, а также для совершенствования методов профориентационной работы среди учащейся молодежи. Introduction. Graduates of secondary vocational education institutions face a number of difficulties when entering the labour market. Among the main reasons are the lack of practical experience, the underdevelopment of the system of interaction between educational organisations and employers, and the discrepancy between the desired salary level and the real one. Aim. Analysis of strategies for students of professional educational organisations to enter the labour market, taking into account regional specifics and resource security of families. Methods. The leading method was a sociological study conducted by the Centre for Economics of Lifelong Learning of the RANEPA in the spring of 2023 among 1,098 senior year students of secondary vocational education organisations. The survey was conducted in three regions – Sverdlovsk, Volgograd and Ivanovo regions. The regions were selected taking into account their geographical location and place in the ranking of the socio-economic situation of the regions. Results. The result of the study was the analysis of graduates’ ideas about employment prospects, as well as the role of colleges in promoting youth employment. Scientific novelty. The projective models of employment of secondary vocational education graduates are presented. Practical significance. The obtained research results can be used for the development of managerial and organisational decisions aimed at improving the state youth policy in the field of employment. The findings of the study may be of interest for improving the methods of career guidance among students

Exploring experiences of TVET graduates’ work-integrated learning in a rural ecology: the case of TVET colleges in KwaZulu-Natal

This study investigates the experiences of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) graduates in rural ecology with work-based education (WBE), commonly known as work-integrated learning (WIL). The study was conducted at two campuses of Umfolozi TVET colleges in northern KwaZulu-Natal, focusing on post-graduation experiences. The National Certificate Vocational (NCV) qualification, introduced in January 2007, was the focal point, offered at Levels 2, 3, and 4 of the National Qualifications Framework, equivalent to Grades 10, 11, and 12. NCV graduates were selected as participants to explore their encounters with work-integrated learning during employment. Employing a qualitative case study design, the study utilized purposive sampling to identify six participants. Findings revealed systemic challenges faced by NCV graduates, particularly concerning the alignment of the curriculum with the needs of TVET students from rural areas. Additionally, it was noted that college management appeared unaware of the severity of the challenges encountered by students in securing in-service training opportunities. These findings underscore the need for educational institutions and policymakers to address curriculum alignment issues and enhance support mechanisms for TVET students, particularly those from rural backgrounds, to ensure the effectiveness of work-integrated learning initiatives.

РОЛЬ ДОРАДЧИХ ОРГАНІВ У РОЗВИТКУ ПРОФЕСІЙНОЇ ОСВІТИ

The relevance of the article is driven by the need to develop vocational education and adapt it to rapid changes in the labor market and technological innovations. Advisory bodies play a crucial role in this process by facilitating the integration of vocational education with economic demands. They ensure that educational programs align with contemporary professional standards and support the introduction of new technologies and teaching methodologies. Engaging representatives from business and civil society in advisory bodies expands the practical components of vocational training. Moreover, advisory bodies initiate innovative projects that enhance the competitiveness of vocational education graduates in the labor market. This synergy improves the quality of vocational training for future skilled workers, aligning it with employers' requirements. The purpose of this study is to substantiate the role of advisory bodies in the development of vocational education and their impact on improving the quality of skilled workforce training in line with the demands of the modern labor market. Research methods. The study employed an analysis of scientific literature and regulatory documents governing the activities of advisory bodies to examine them as an integral part of the vocational education system. A comparative method was used to analyze international experiences and documents outlining the role of advisory bodies in the development of educational programs and curricula to meet labor market needs. The interpretative method facilitated the formulation of conclusions and recommendations aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of advisory bodies in advancing vocational education. Results. The study investigated key advisory bodies influencing the development and quality assurance of vocational education, substantiating their main functions (consultative, expert-analytical, coordination, informational-educational, monitoring, and evaluation). It clarified the composition and purposes of participation in such bodies, characterized the primary challenges they face, and formulated recommendations to improve their effectiveness. Conclusions. Advisory bodies play a pivotal role in establishing connections between vocational education institutions, the labor market, governmental structures, and public organizations. Their main functions include analyzing economic trends, developing recommendations for modernizing vocational education content, participating in the formation of strategies and policies, fostering democratization in decision-making, adapting vocational education to current economic challenges, and integrating it into the international educational space. The influence of advisory bodies is determined by broad representation of various stakeholder groups, their authority, and experience in workforce training. Through their activities, graduates of vocational education institutions acquire competitive skills aligned with the needs of the modern labor market. Particular emphasis is placed on partnerships with businesses, ensuring the integration of practical experience into the educational process and promoting the development of dual education models. However, advisory bodies also face challenges, such as limited resources, inadequate funding, legal uncertainties, and weak communication among partnership participants. Improving their organization requires more precise definitions of their status, powers, and mechanisms of interaction with other educational process participants, enhanced funding, diversified formats of work, increased participation in international projects, and digitalization of communication processes.

Introducing Green, Eco-Friendly Practices and Circular Economy Principles in Vocational Education Through a Novel Analysis-Synthesis Method: Design, Implementation and Evaluation

Purpose: A novel, Project- and Collaborative Learning-based educational method is proposed, implemented and evaluated in this paper. The aim is to exploit hands-on laboratory modules in Vocational Education in order to experientially introduce students to green, eco-friendly practices and the principles of sustainability and circular economy. Besides their apparent individual and social benefits, such knowledge and skills are also expected to raise qualifications and employability of Vocational Education graduates. Methods: The proposed method is tested through a quasi-experimental methodology, via an educational intervention with a class of Vocational Lyceum students, in the field of Electrical and Electronics Engineering. The learning content focuses on the reclaiming and reuse of operational components from damaged electrical/electronic equipment at end-of-life stage. Through repeated Analysis and Synthesis phases, students learn to extract, measure, classify and reuse operational components either to repair similar equipment or to design and construct novel devices. Results: Evaluation is carried out via closed and open type activities as well as by observation sheets of the teacher. Learning outcomes are evaluated through knowledge post-tests of the closed type while social/emotional outcomes are evaluated through questionnaires. Evaluation results indicate that the proposed method does produce cognitive and social/emotional skills gains for the students. The development of metacognitive skills and the stimulation of imagination and innovative thinking in the students is also observed by the teacher, but not formally evaluated due to practical constraints. Conclusions: The proposed method is implemented and pilot-tested with positive results both as to the cognitive and as to the social/emotional domain – yet, these results are of an indicative value, due to the limited scale of the educational intervention. Future research is necessary in order to evaluate the proposed method in extent and possibly compare results across education grades or engineering fields, as the method is generic enough to be easily adaptable for different ages/grades and engineering/technical fields of study.

Ocean Literacy Competency in Vocational Education in the Perspective of Blue Curriculum: A Document Analysis

Blue Curriculum is a new paradigm in curriculum development that utilizes ocean potential as the main basis for learning. Education is considered an easy and effective way to address the negative impacts of human activities on the marine environment. All aspects of vocational education are equipped with knowledge and skills that support sustainable development goals (SDGs), especially to reduce the negative impacts caused by human activities on the environment through sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. Vocational education is closely related to the competencies that graduates must possess. To realize the blue curriculum in vocational education, knowing the ocean literacy competencies that vocational education graduates must possess is necessary. Content analysis of the two documents found that vocational education competencies under the themes of Critical Thinking, Hard Skills, Technology, Soft Skills, and Market Orientation are present in both marine literacy documents and can be integrated into vocational education. These competencies aim for vocational education graduates to have the ability to understand the role of the ocean, respond to ocean challenges with innovative ideas, and participate in sustainability solutions.

Automation risks of vocational training programs and early careers in the Netherlands

In this article, we study the role of automation risks in the school-to-work transition (STWT) of secondary vocational education (VET) graduates in the Netherlands. We use a combination of administrative and survey data, enriched with estimates of automation risks. Using sequence analysis, we find four ideal-type school-to-work trajectories representing the first 10 years in the labor market: employment, further education, further VET, and NEET. Multinomial regressions show that automation risk is not consistently associated with the type of school-to-work trajectory. We also investigate the relation between automation risk and starting wages and wage growth. We find that automation risk is negatively associated with starting wages, but not with wage growth.

The Influence of Self-Efficacy, Knowledge, Attitude, and Skills on the Organizational Performance of the Ministry of Transportation, Mediated by Personnel Competence, Graduates of Indonesian Aviation Higher Vocational Education

This research delves into the impact of various factors on Organizational Performance, with a specific focus on graduates of Vocational Higher Education in Aviation in Indonesia employed as Civil Servants (ASN) within the Ministry of Transportation. The factors under scrutiny include Self-efficacy, Knowledge, Attitude, and Skill, with an exploration of their positive influence on Organizational Performance. Furthermore, the study examines how these factors contribute to Personnel Competence among these graduates and assesses the resultant effect on Organizational Performance within the Ministry of Transportation. Additionally, it investigates the mediating role of Personnel Competence in the relationship between Self Efficacy, Knowledge, Attitude, Skill, and Organizational Performance. Employing a quantitative survey method with a positivistic approach, this study utilizes Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) for data analysis. Through this methodology, the research aims to elucidate the correlation between graduate competencies and organizational tasks. The ultimate goal is to provide valuable insights into bolstering organizational performance through effective human resource development strategies within the aviation sector, thereby catering to readers unfamiliar with the topic or research methods and ensuring clarity and coherence in the language to enhance understanding.

The impact of education type on employability and wages in China

The objective of this paper is to investigate the impact of China’s recent education policy on the labor market performance (i.e., employability and wages) of both general and vocational education graduates. The policy requires 50% of junior high school graduates to pursue secondary vocational education. The policy received public complaints because, in many parts of the world, students are free to decide on their future education. This paper measures the impacts of education type on labor market performance for both general and vocational education graduates, seeking to uncover the differing perspectives between Chinese authorities and the public. The study utilizes secondary survey data from the Chinese Social Survey 2021 (CSS2021) and employs the Mincer earnings function to analyze several main factors, such as years of education (yoe), years of work (yow), education type (et), interaction between edt and yoe and yow, and gender. The results highlight the significant role of education in enhancing both employability and wages—indicating that increased years of education positively correlate with improved employment prospects and higher wages. Regarding the relationship between wages and gender across both education types, males generally receive higher wages, while the dynamics in the relationship between employment and gender differ, with females exhibiting a greater likelihood of employment. The impact of education type on employability is slightly complicated. Employers do not prefer employing general education graduates. However, when we combined education type with years of experience, the findings revealed a preference among employers for hiring general education graduates with extensive work experience. This study has policy implications for the Chinese government in fostering the balanced development of vocational and general education, benefiting both individuals and society.

Formative Assessment Practices and its Effect on Employability Skills to Vocational Students in Tanzania

The study evaluated the effect of formative assessment practices on employability skills development. Specifically, the study explored students’ perceptions on essential employability skills for vocational career; examined formative assessment practices in vocational training centres and assessed the influence of formative assessment practices on employability skills among vocational students in Tanzania. It adopted a pragmatism paradigm which enabled the use of sequential explanatory mixed methods design. Data were collected from 97 vocational students and six vocational tutors sampled from Chang’ombe and Mwanza Vocational training centres. The quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed using regression model and content analysis techniques respectively. The study found that, vocational Students perceive a number of employability skills as essential for their career. The vocational education and training centres employ workshop, industrial projects and field placement as formative assessment practices to enhance such employability skills. However, formative assessment which is essential for employability skills, accounts only for 40%, compared to 60% of its counterpart summative assessment. Therefore, the study recommends for curriculum review to give formative assessment a more weight than summative assessment. Further study may develop measuring scale for employability skills among vocational education graduates in Tanzania.

Sustainable employment for vocational education and training graduates: the case of future skills matching in Bangladesh

ABSTRACT Bangladesh is characterized by a high demand for skilled workers. Hence, the significance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) becomes crucial to address the existing skill gaps to stimulate economic development. This research addresses the major challenges that hinder the progress of TVET in Bangladesh. This study adopts a mixed-method approach to investigate thoroughly the fundamental aspects of TVET’s capacity to provide high-quality skills development programs with an aim to increase its graduates’ employability. This study finds that individuals, upon their graduation from TVET institutions, face significant obstacles in the job market. These challenges, as the research finds, arise primarily due to discrepancies between graduates’ skills and job market demands. This study also examines the local TVET issues in Bangladesh, offers valuable insights and policy recommendations to address skill deficits, ensure sustainable employment for TVET graduates, and enhance economic development in developing nations..

Karakteristik Bahasa Inggris Maritim Secara Kata dan Frasa

English is an international language used in various fields, including the maritime sector. In the maritime sector, English is used for communication, both between seafarers and between seafarers and related parties, such as port officers, cargo agents and shipping companies. In order to provide competent resources in the maritime world, the role of maritime vocational education is present to address these problems. In Indonesia, maritime vocational education aims to produce graduates who have competence in the maritime field. One of the competencies that maritime vocational education graduates must have is the ability to speak maritime English. In order to provide competent resources in the maritime world, the role of maritime vocational education is present to address these problems. Although the importance of maritime English is recognized, there is a gap between industry needs and the competencies of Indonesian maritime vocational education graduates. Mastery of correct maritime terminology is essential for sailors and maritime personnel. Maritime terms used incorrectly can lead to potentially dangerous misunderstandings. Maritime jargon is often used in oral and written communication in the maritime environment. Maritime jargon is usually used to convey messages briefly and clearly.

Research on the optimization strategy of matching the structure of vocational education and industrial development in Hubei under the background of big data

Abstract There is a certain gap between the current situation of matching vocational education graduates and regional industrial development letters in Hubei Province, which needs to be dealt with by the efforts of vocational education institutions, the government, industrial frontiers, and graduates themselves. Aiming at the current problems of Hubei Province that the match between vocational education and industrial development structure is not high enough and the level of cooperation between industry and education needs to be improved, this paper puts forward the optimization strategy of matching between industry and education in vocational education institutions that contains five suggestions. After designing the hierarchical analysis and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method to construct the evaluation index system, the C1 vocational education institutions that carried out the optimization reform of industry-industry matching according to the strategy of this paper were compared with the remaining two ordinary vocational education institutions. It is found that the overall level of industry-education matching of C1 institutions, 87.489, is the highest among the three institutions and is excellent, and the scores of the first-level indexes are 87.095, 90.216, and 85.371, respectively. The satisfaction levels of faculty, curriculum construction, and enterprise benefit are 0.91, 0.9, and 0.95, thanks to the fact that C1 colleges and universities have introduced off-campus industrial mentors under the guidance of the strategy of optimizing the matching of production and education increased the number of applied skills courses, expanding school-enterprise cooperation and other initiatives have had obvious effects. The employment rate of graduates in their specialty counterparts has steadily increased from 69.4% in 2018 to 88.5% in 2023, and the degree of structural matching between vocational education and industrial development has significantly increased. This paper makes useful thinking and innovative strategies for achieving better matching between vocational education and industrial structure, and promoting industrial development and economic transformation and upgrading in Hubei Province.

Influence of Entrepreneurship Competence on Employability of Technical and Vocational Education and Training Institutions Graduates in Tanzania: The Moderating Role of Self-Efficacy

Influence of Entrepreneurship Competence on Employability of Technical and Vocational Education and Training Institutions Graduates in Tanzania: The Moderating Role of Self-Efficacy

Probing the Relationship between Soft Skills and Career Adaptability among Vocational College Graduates

In today’s era, the demand for a workforce with the right skills required by employers is very high. Students must equip themselves with additional skills beyond academic achievements and must adapt to the skills required in the workplace before they graduate. This study examines the relationship between soft skills and career adaptability among vocational college graduates. The study interprets the crucial factors and skills influencing career adaptability and success in employability among Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) graduates in the future. The researchers used a correlation study design to explain the relationship between soft skills and career adaptability. This quantitative study involves vocational college institutions in Negeri Sembilan, specifically those majoring in the Electronic Technology field and programs. About 120 graduates were chosen as sample respondents in this study. The survey method used a questionnaire to gather feedback from graduates identified in this research. The researchers used IBM SPSS Statistics to analyze the information obtained using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings show that the level of soft skills among vocational college graduates is moderate to high. Career adaptability also depicted a similar pattern at a highlevel. There was a strong and significant correlation between soft skills and career adaptability, and teamwork skills are a dominant factor in explaining the career adaptability of graduates from vocational college.

Systematic Review of Malaysia Technical and Vocational Education (TVET) Sustainability Framework to Increase the Marketability of Graduates Using PRISMA

The marketability of Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) graduates is a key factor in promoting Malaysia’s economic growth and development. Therefore, seeking a sustainable marketability framework for TVET will reduce educational wastage in TVET, increase enrolment, increase TVET sectoral contributions to GDP, and provide justification for taxpayer money used to finance the institution. Only a few studies have attempted to review the literature on this topic systematically. The Springer, Taylor & Francis, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases are employed in this systematic literature review, which is guided by the PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis) standards. A rigorous keyword search of the online databases produced 71 papers from 2017 to 2022, 29 of which were research that was relevant to the issue. The findings revealed that curriculum-related factors, skill gap factors, and poor stakeholder engagement are the basic factors impacting the marketability of the TVET graduate. The study recommends that The TVET regulatory bodies should strive to embark on curriculum revision to close the skill gap between the classroom and the industry, The curriculum of TVET should be improved and updated in every five years to catch up with industrial needs and there should be an effective partnership in all ramifications between TVET institutions and the industry.