Training for the Future? A Case of Automotive Training in TVET Institutions in Kenya

Abstract

Aims: To evaluate the opinions of the automotive trainers on the extent to which their training programs were futuristic in content and organization. To establish whether the training was in line with changes in technology in industry; the main emphasis of training and suggestions ways of improving the situation. Study Design: Survey. Place and Duration of Study: Technical training institutions in Kenya involving Automotive trainers in the year 2015. Methodology: Data was collected by use of a questionnaire. Sample: The study involved 31 Automotive trainers in Kenya. Results: The study established that the training programs are not fully aligned to the requirements for the future practice in automotive industry. A greater percentage 67.7% (21) of the trainers agreed that the automotive mechanics course was a sufficient preparation for work in the automotive industry while 29% (9) disagreed. A total of 64.5% (20) of trainers disagreed that the facilities at industry are different from those at the training institution. A large number 96.8% (30) agreed that the automotive mechanics course should be restructured to focus on work in industry. There were 55% (17) respondents agreeing they were able to cope with changes in industry while 42% (13) disagreed. There were 51.6% (16) trainers agreeing that training on the job is better for repair work than institute based training while 45.3% (14) disagreed. Collaboration with industry in program design was found to be inadequate. There were 93.6% (29) trainers who reported the view that the collaboration is missing. Conclusion: Training at the Technical Training institutes should be designed for flexibility with key stakeholders being involved. Training facilities should be as close as possible to the work place facilities.