Abstract:
ABSTRACT
This study aims to assess the influence of welding and fabrication courses on the
acquisition of employable skills among graduates in Tanzania, specifically focusing
on vocational education and training (VET) colleges in Manyara Region. A
quantitative research design was employed, utilizing a structured questionnaire
distributed to 210 respondents, comprising instructors and graduates from various
VET colleges. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and
multiple regression analysis to ascertain the relationships between independent
variables (course relevance, training equipment, and training pedagogy) and the
dependent variable (acquisition of employable skills). Descriptive statistics revealed
that the course relevance scored an average mean of 4.1, indicating that the
curriculum aligns well with industry needs. The availability of training equipment
received a mean score of 4.0, suggesting that modern tools are accessible, while the
teaching pedagogy had a mean score of 4.2, reflecting effective instructional methods.
The acquisition of employable skills also received a positive assessment, with a mean
score of 4.2, indicating that graduates demonstrate strong proficiency in welding
techniques and other essential skills. The multiple regression analysis showed a
significant positive relationship between the independent variables and the acquisition
of employable skills, with an R-squared value of 0.67. This indicates that
approximately 67% of the variance in employable skills can be explained by the
independent variables. Specifically, training equipment emerged as the most
significant predictor, with a beta coefficient of 0.45, highlighting its critical role in
enhancing graduates' employability. In conclusion, the findings of this study
underscore the importance of aligning welding and fabrication courses with industry
standards, ensuring adequate training equipment, and employing effective teaching
methods to improve graduates' employability. It is recommended that VET colleges
enhance their curricula to incorporate current industry practices and invest in modern
training equipment. Additionally, further training for instructors on contemporary
pedagogical techniques is essential to foster an engaging learning environment.
