The Quest For A Benchmark Model Of Educational Standards In Namibian Vocational Training Centres (NVTCs)

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study is to investigate the quality of educational standards in Namibian Vocational Education and Training (NVET) with the purpose to provide a benchmark model aimed at improving the educational standards in Namibian Vocational Training Centres (NVTCs). The study addresses the issue of poor educational standards in NVTCs based on complaints from the society, the media and politicians that the NVET is unable to meet the job market requirements. The triangulation methodology was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data. Openended research questions and semi-structured interviews were constructed, tested in a pilot study conducted at the Windhoek Vocational Training Centre and administered to respondents in selected VTCs and stakeholder institutions in Namibia. A total population of 11 351 people comprising NVTCs, stakeholder enterprises and Vocational Education and Training (VET) activities managers at the Ministry of Education were identified. A sample of 600 respondents was obtained through the stratified random sampling method. Five categories of respondents were identified, namely NVTC trainees, instructors, graduates, Ministry of Education (MoE) stakeholders and employers of NVTC graduates. The study focused on respondents from the Namibian Institute of Mining and Technology (NIMT) at Arandis, the Community Skills Development Centre (COSDEC) at Gobabis, COSDEC Swakopmund, the National Youth Service (NYS) at Grootfontein, NAMWATER Okahandja, Okakarara Vocational Training Centre, Development Aid From People to People (DAPP) in Windhoek, EHAFO in Windhoek, Katutura Youth Enterprise Centre (KAYEC) in Windhoek and the Windhoek Vocational Training Centre.