ENhancing perceptions of vocational education and training in
Ghana
Project date: January 2010 – February 2011
Recent reports on skills development in Ghana
have highlighted the need to change negative perceptions of
vocational education and training. Following discussions
with various stakeholders in Ghana, the City & Guilds Centre
for Skills Development and Council of Vocational Education and
Training (COTVET), Ghana launched a pilot skills development
project on 1st June 2010 which seeks to explore and
address this issue.
The project will survey the attitudes and
perceptions of young people (primarily aged between 15-24), parents
and a range of employers (selected sectors will include both the
formal and informal sectors) to vocational education and training,
in a mix of urban and peri-urban locations. The outcomes will
be used to inform COTVET’s publicity and promotional strategies
aimed at tackling the image of VET.
Another element of the project will
explore existing careers and guidance counseling
provision within a selected set of schools and technical
vocational and training institutes. Effective careers guidance
plays an important role in challenging perceptions by ensuring that
young people, practitioners and parents have a good understanding
of the labour market opportunities and enabling young people to
better understand employer’s requirements. This strand will
result in an improved understanding of what’s working, weaknesses
and gaps in provision.
Ultimately the project aims to:
- Explore how perceptions of VET can be enhanced amongst young
people, employers and key influencers such as parents.
- Explore ways in which vocational education and training can be
promoted as a viable option to young people and parents.
- Gain an enhanced understanding of local labour market needs,
employer needs and the requirements of young people across a range
of specified sectors
- Determine the extent and quality of existing career guidance
provision for young people and identify gaps in provision.
The project is due to be completed in February
2011.
This page will be updated throughout the
course of the project and if you would like more information on the
project, or other work we are doing in Ghana, please contact
Heidi Agbenyo.