Sustaining training quality in technical and vocational colleges of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

Abstract

The intent of this paper was to examine the extent of the sustainability of training quality in TVET Colleges of Oromia Region, Ethiopia. To achieve this purpose, researcher used concurrent triangulation mixed approach research paradigm. The participants of the study include: 71 trainers; 81 trainees and 85 graduates. Moreover, 15 College Deans, 15 District, 6 Administrative Zones and 2 Regional TVET agencies were purposely selected and included in the study. To this end three different but complementary instruments: Questionnaires, semi-structured interviews and document analysis were employed to solicit data from key informants in the study setting. Data were analyzed both through qualitative and quantitative analysis methods. The study result showed that lack of adequate and relevant labour market information, training need assessment, tracer study results, practical competence of leaders and trainers and weak participation of stakeholders affects the sustainability of the training quality in TVET Colleges. Hence, to transfer relevant technical skills the study recommends the importance of enhancing the competence of leaders' and trainers through education and training. Besides, participation of stakeholders in designing, implementing and formulating internal quality assurance system is binding to sustain training quality in TVET Colleges.