Bridging the Skills Gap in Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET): Curriculum Alignment, Lecturer Competence, and Industry Partnerships for Graduate Employability
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51137/wrp.ijarbm.882Keywords:
TVET, Skills Gap, Curriculum Alignment, Graduate Employability, Industry PartnershipsAbstract
The skills gap between Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and the needs of the labour market has remained a major threat to graduate employability and overall economic growth. This paper highlights various ways in which curriculum alignment, lecturer proficiency, and industry linkages can bridge the skills gap and elevate graduate employment rates. The study employs Kirkpatrick’s Four-Level Model to develop a framework for enhancing employability through the resolution of skills gaps in South Africa’s TVET system. A qualitative desktop research methodology was used to review existing literature on the subject from both national and international perspectives. The results of the study revealed that obsolete curricula, lack of industry exposure and lecturer proficiency, and poor industry engagement are some of the issues that cause skills gaps and graduate unemployment. It was also found that there is no quick solution to the problem, as all factors need to be addressed collectively and not in isolation. A competent TVET graduate requires a combination of a relevant and up-to-date curriculum, lecturer skills and professional development, work-based learning experiences, and industry engagement to bridge the skills gap. The paper proposes an Integrated TVET Employability Ecosystem Framework (ITEEF), in which curriculum alignment, lecturer proficiency, and industry linkages are presented as pillars for building a system that supports graduate employability. The framework also highlights the importance of policy, governance, quality assurance mechanisms, funding, and labour market information as critical success factors. The study concludes that addressing the problems affecting TVET education systems is essential to enhancing graduate employability, reducing skills gaps, and promoting economic growth through quality-assured TVET qualifications and aligned industry engagement. The paper ultimately contributes towards the development of a body of knowledge on TVET and employability by providing a comprehensive understanding of the issues affecting graduate employment and how they can be resolved to accelerate inclusive socio-economic development.
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