Influence Of Welding and Fabrication Course in Relation to Employability Skills in Tanzania:

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.