Influence of Industrial Engagement on Development of Employability skills of TVET Graduates in Meru County

Abstract

Development of employability skills among TVET graduates increases their employability. However, despite reforms in TVET education in Kenya, Meru County continue to grapple with high unemployment rates among TVET graduates due to skills gap. This research aimed to establish the influence of industrial engagement on development of employability skills of TVET graduates in Meru County, Kenya. The Knight and Yorke Theory of Employability and Human Capital Theory informed the study. A sample size of 6 TVET institutions, 142 TVET trainees, 12 trainers, 72 graduates, 12 HoDs, and 6 Principals and 5 Key Informants were selected for this study. Simple random sampling, census sampling, purposive sampling, stratified sampling and referral sampling techniques were used to select participants. The study adopted a mixed-research approach, and used convergent parallel research design. Questionnaires and interview guides were used to collect data. The quality of data collection tools was assured by checking their validity and reliability. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to quantitative data and themes were generated from qualitative data. The study established a significant relationship between industrial engagement and development of employability skills. The study underscores the need for TVETs to strengthen partnerships with industries to enhance development of employability skills. The study concluded that there exists a skill mismatch in TVET graduates. The study recommended TVETs in Meru County, and Kenya at large, to embrace dual apprenticeship system which integrates school-based and work-based learning. The study further recommended TVET institutions to have elaborate connections and partnerships with industries in order ease the burden of looking for attachments, internships and apprenticeship by trainees.