The Benefits, Challenges, and Opportunities for Technical & Vocational Education & Training in Zimbabwe
摘要
In many developing countries, unemployment is a major challenge. The situation, often characterized by high numbers of unemployed graduates, is often blamed on education systems that are not aligned with the demands and expectations of the workplace. Technical vocational education and training (TVET) programs are considered to provide students with the skills and competencies needed to effectively function in the workplace. These programs vary in nature depending on their purpose and the economic situation in a country. Given the economic challenges Zimbabwe is experiencing, it is important to establish the status of high school TVET programs. This chapter examines the benefits, challenges, and opportunities for high school TVET programs in Zimbabwe under current economic conditions. Data were collected from reviews of literature, an examination of TVET policy documents, and a survey of TVET instructors. The programs continue to provide entry-level technical and workplace skills, despite the harsh economic conditions in the country. A shortage of training materials and outdated equipment, poor funding, and teachers who lack technical expertise were cited as challenges. Improving the implementation of TVET programs will require addressing the plethora of problems faced by the programs, expanding effective work-based learning programs, collaborating with local communities, and promoting education and industry partnerships.