Examining public perception on Technical and Vocational Education and Training enrolment in Ghana

ABSTRACT

Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) enrollment in Ghana has been impeded by various challenges. One of the significant obstacles throughout the years has been public perception. As a result, many people prefer grammar-based schools over TVET. This study aims to investigate the operations of TVET in the Ayawaso-West Municipality of the Greater Accra Region in Ghana to determine the level of public perception and its impact on enrollment. The study employs the impression formation theory as a framework. An exploratory research design and a qualitative research approach were used to conduct the study. Thirty-six participants were selected using a purposive sampling technique. The findings revealed that the negative perception affecting the progress of the TVET subsector included lower societal recognition, lower job prestige and public ignorance of TVET. The study recommends continuous advocacy for TVET to correct public perception.

KEYWORDS:

• Public perception
• socioeconomic
• lower enrollment
• skill-related jobs
• TVET

Acknowledgments

We wish to acknowledge Japan Motors Ghana Limited for sponsoring this research.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This was funded by the Japan Motor Company Limited. The Japan Motor Company Limited is into automatic; therefore, its passion for technical and vocational education and training (TVET) is incredible. To make a case for why TVET is important in shaping a country’s industrialization, the company do assist and sponsors individuals or groups who have studies to conduct in TVET perspective on how to promote TVET in Ghana.