Technical and Vocational Education Training, TVET, is seeing a significant surge in popularity across the country, with enrollments rising compared to previous years.
However, in the Western Region, this positive trend is facing challenges, for instance, the lack of a dedicated administrative office to streamline affairs.
The buzz around TVET is palpable in the Western Region, with workshops filled to capacity and long queues at registration centers, signaling a growing preference for skills training over traditional academic paths.
However, this is not without its challenges. Principal of the Sekondi Takoradi Technical Institute, Ing. Thomas Kwabena Cudjoe, cites infrastructure as one of them.
“Our biggest challenge now is infrastructure. As our numbers increase, we desperately need more classroom infrastructure. We’re pleading with corporate Ghana and donors to support us with classrooms it’s our most pressing need.”
Western Region’s TVET Director, Ing. Anthony Oware Agyekum is also concerned that the lack of a central administrative office, which is essential for strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, data management, and supporting the growing number of TVET institutions and trainees, could stall its progress and make it unable to meet industry demands.
“One of our major challenges is the lack of a regional office. Currently, we’re operating out of Sekondi Takoradi Technical Institute. Additionally, as a regional office, we need tools to effectively run and monitor our programs. We believe that with these resources, we can deliver our best.” He mentioned.
Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson however reiterated government’s commitment to TVET while emphasizing the need for prioritizing the region’s competing needs.
“The infrastructure deficit is daunting, and there’s much work to be done. Since TVET is here to stay, we must do everything possible to support its growth. As it plays a vital role in shaping our youth’s education, we need to make a commitment to resolving these issues. By doing so, we’ll be better equipped to tackle the challenges and unlock TVET’s full potential.” He stated.
This year’s National TVET Examinations have recorded a total of 5,473 students, comprising 4,288 males and 1,185 females, across Twenty examination centers in the Western Region, marking a significant increase from the 3,500 students last year.
Patience Ewusie Mensah is a final year student at Sekondi Takoradi Technical Institute said “I’m interested in acquiring skills in mechanical engineering, and seeing many ladies excel in this field has inspired me to pursue it too.”
Theodora Tetteh, student at Takoradi Community Technical Institute also added that “I chose TVET over senior high school because, upon completion, you’re equipped with professional training in a specific area, enabling you to become self-employed.”
