Effectiveness of TVET program in manpower development in Ethiopia: Implications for policy and practice

The objective of this study was to investigate the extent to which the TVET program was effective in manpower development that is responsive to society needs. The study employed a qualitative research method, and sources of data were TVET students, graduates, and trainers, deans of the college, employers, and experts. The data were collected from one-to-one interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs). In accordance with the data analyses and interpretations, the results indicated varied results of the program's effectiveness. Although feelings by stakeholders regarding the TVET program have increasingly gone in a positive way, the program itself reflected shortcomings in preparing graduates with the skills and information that they require. The graduates were not consistently able to obtain the needed skills and information in the program to the level equal to the labor market expectations. Resource- and curriculum-related issues were found to be the causes of this ineffectiveness. As a result, the responsiveness of the program to the labor market was found to be constrained. Notwithstanding its shortcomings, the increasing positive image of the program among stakeholders indicates its potential as an accessible route to economic opportunity, and thus there is a need to balance employer criticism with optimism in society. The implications are that there is a requirement for customized provisions of resources (material, financial, and human) to best maximize program effectiveness, responsiveness, and impact on manpower development. This study concludes by providing concrete, theoretically-informed, practical recommendations to policymakers, educators, and industry partners, highlighting the importance of partnership to improve the TVET system in Ethiopia.