Employability of Technical, Vocational Education And Training Graduates in BunoBedele Zone of Oromia Regional State

Abstract

The study aimed at investigating the factors that affect the employment of vocational and Technical school graduates of Buno Bedele Zone. This study used descriptive survey research design to collect and analyze data. To achieve the stated objectives, data were collected from primary and secondary sources. Primary data was collected through questionnaires from 289 former graduated and 12 employers and for interview the researcher s used 12 TVET teachers and deans’ of four TVET colleges. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean score and standard deviation was used to supplement with qualitative analysis. The finding revealed that there is mismatch of school leave (graduated from TVET) and employment between years 2009 and 2011. Only 43.5% of 452(100%) graduated in 2009 were employed while 38.22% of 1562(100%) graduated in 2011 were employed. Upgrade the performance of teachers is the major mechanism had been practiced to enhance level of employability in Buno Bedele zone. The challenges that affect TVET employability includes: lack of interest to join TVET program (i.e. 84.8% of unemployed &16.5% of employed have no interest and 83.5% and 15.2%employed and unemployed respectively have an interest),lack of required facilities and equipment in TVET, lack of adequate practical training, weak link between TVET and industries, shortage of employability skills acquired, family background (literate/ illiterate, residence area).Students’ interest and attitude toward joining TVET program should be positive.*So to implement TVET college needs to make motivational speech and sharing experiences. To enhance employability of TVET graduates, as much as possible TVET institutions needs to develop skill, knowledge and competency graduate acquired using practical based training and trainers themselves advised to make efforts to improve their own competencies through available learning resources like internet, computer and the like. Oromia TVET Bureau need to supply tools, equipment and other facilities in TVET institution and also the institutions need to strive to maintain their quality standard. It is better if TVET colleges are capacitated and autonomous to involve in the local industry that makes TVET more locally responsive because industry participation may substitute the supply non conformity of college and maintain quality and employability.