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The role of vocational training in bridging skill gap in the building industry of nigeria

 

Table Of Contents


Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The construction industry in Nigeria faces a significant skill gap that hinders its growth and development. One of the key strategies to bridge this gap is through vocational training programs tailored to the specific needs of the building industry. This research project aims to explore the role of vocational training in addressing the skill gap in the building sector of Nigeria. The study will investigate the current state of the construction industry in Nigeria, highlighting the skills in high demand and those that are lacking. By identifying these gaps, the research will provide valuable insights into the areas where vocational training can make the most impact. Furthermore, the project will examine existing vocational training programs in the building industry to assess their effectiveness and relevance to industry needs. Through surveys, interviews, and case studies, the research will gather data from industry professionals, vocational training institutions, and construction workers to gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the sector. The findings will be analyzed to determine the gaps that vocational training can address, the most effective training methods, and the potential impact of such programs on the industry. The study will also explore best practices in vocational training from other countries with successful construction industries to draw lessons and insights that can be applied in the Nigerian context. By benchmarking against international standards, the research aims to propose recommendations for improving vocational training programs in Nigeria to meet the specific skill requirements of the building industry. Ultimately, the research project seeks to contribute to the enhancement of the construction industry in Nigeria by providing evidence-based recommendations for leveraging vocational training to bridge the skill gap. By equipping workers with the necessary skills and knowledge, vocational training can enhance productivity, quality, and safety in the building sector, leading to overall industry growth and development. The findings of this study will be valuable for policymakers, industry stakeholders, training institutions, and construction workers seeking to enhance their skills and employability. Through a targeted approach to vocational training, the building industry in Nigeria can address its skill gap and position itself for sustainable growth and competitiveness in the global market.

Thesis Overview

 INTRODUCTION

1.1   BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY Skills are what an individual possesses which may be learnt informally and/or on-the-job. Skill Gap is the difference in the skills required on the job and the actual skills possessed by the staff. A Skills Gap arises when a worker does not have all the skills necessary to do the job effectively. Therefore, skills gaps refer to the situation where an industry has workers but they are not skilled enough to meet the organizations’ objectives (Jean, 2003).

The building industry is growing but it seems the stock of competent skilled construction workers has dwindled (Odusami & Ene, 2011). A skill gap is the shortage in performance. It is the difference between what is required or expected and what we actually get. Put in another way a skill gap is the required performance minus the present performance. Hence it is also called the performance gap. Basically, a skills gap or performance gap is the difference between the actual or present performance and the optimal or future performance.

Vocational training is an educational training which encompasses knowledge, skills, competencies, structural activities, abilities, capabilities and all other structural experiences acquired through formal, on-the-job or off-the job which is capable of enhancing recipients opportunity for securing jobs in various sector of the economy or even enabling the person to be self-dependent by being a job creator. Federal Republic of Nigeria (2004) opined that vocational training is an aspect of the educational process involving, in addition to general education, the study of technologies and related sciences and the acquisition of practical skills, attitudes, understanding and knowledge relative to occupations in the building sector. Manfred and Jennifer (2004) advocated that vocational training comprises all more or less organized or structured activities that aim at providing people with the knowledge, skills and competencies necessary to perform a job or a set of jobs whether or not they lead to a formal qualification. These definitions show that the relationship between vocational training and skill development towards a sustainable building industry in Nigeria. Common indicators of Skills issues are poor workmanship and building failure. Nigerian cities with the exception of the enclave of the rich and powerful are characterized by poor quality structures, poor layout and streets access, lack of essential utility services, inadequate security, and social services (Alemika, 2010). Apparently, deficiencies exist between the skills of vocational workers and those required to meet the needs and expectations of employers in the Building sector which prompt the researcher to examine the role of vocational training in bridging the skill gap that exist in building industry in Nigeria. The skill gap in the Nigeria building industry can be attributed to the dwindling stock of competent skilled construction workers and the influx of unskilled, inefficient and dissatisfied workers who see the building sector as a last resort (ITF, 2014). Adequate and effective vocational training in Nigeria can meet the highly skilled human resource need in the Nigerian building industry. Skill needs in building sector includes building drawing skills, surveying, landscaping and site preparation skills, foundation skills, ability to use machines for construction, ability to use hand tools for practical work, brick and block laying skills, roofing skills, masonry skills in building, concreting and reinforcement skills, carpentry and joinery skills, final finishes skills and plumbing skills. In recent times, the government of Nigeria through the Federal Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development has shown concern about the present dearth of skilled artisans and craftsmen in the building construction industry. They asserted that artisans and craftsmen constitute an important component of the value chain in housing delivery and essential for the production of well-built, good quality and durable housing on a greater scale across the country. The ministry is using two vocational training centres located in Lagos state to upgrade the skills of this category of tradesmen. The ministry recently completed the renovation and upgrading of its facilities at the Harvey road, Yaba-Lagos training centre and a school of Architectural and Building Technicians is being constructed in Kuje, in the FCT. Efforts are being made by the Nigeria Federal government to establish six more skills acquisition/ vocational training centres in different parts of the country, as well as undertake a review of the curricula for artisan and vocational training in conjunction with relevant institutions.

1.2   STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM Apart from skill obsolescence that occurs over time in the Nigerian building industry, there are other factors that cause skill gaps which an effective vocational training would have curtailed. A major factor is the changing pattern of working in building industry. The current trends in the world of work such as globalization, commercialization, flexi-hour, deregulation, outsourcing, contract work, homework and freelancing have led to marked changes in industry structure. New definition, new meaning, and new application of knowledge drive all these changes. New forms of work structures which are flexible, adaptable, less hierarchical, and multi-skilled and which encourage continuous learning are becoming sources of competitive advantage in the building industry. International competition for jobs and workers has also intensified, leading to the global talent hunt for innovation-driven knowledge workers. However, the researcher is examining the role of vocational training in bridging these skill gaps that exists in the Nigerian building industry.

1.3   OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY The following are the objectives of this study:

  1. To examine the role of vocational training in bridging the skill gap that existed in Nigerian building industry.
  2. To identify the skill gaps in the Nigerian building industry.
  3. To examine the effectiveness and adequacy of vocational training in Nigeria.

1.4   RESEARCH QUESTIONS

  1. What is the role of vocational training in bridging the skill gap that existed in Nigerian building industry?
  2. What are the skill gaps in the Nigerian building industry?
  3. What is the effectiveness and adequacy of vocational training in Nigeria?

1.5   HYPOTHESIS HO: Vocational training has not bridge the skill gap in Nigeria building industry. HA: Vocational training has bridge the skill gap in Nigeria building industry. 1.6   SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY The following are the significance of this study:

  1. The outcome of this study will educate the general public, government and policy makers on the level of vocational training in Nigeria and also the skill gaps that existed in the Nigeria building industry considering the role of vocational training.
  2. This research will also serve as a resource base to other scholars and researchers interested in carrying out further research in this field subsequently, if applied will go to an extent to provide new explanation to the topic.

1.7   SCOPE/LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY This study on the role of vocational training in bridging skill gap in the building industry in Nigeria will cover the successes and failure of buildings and other structures in Nigeria has a reference in ascertaining the level of competency of Nigeria builders. It will also cover the structure of vocational training in Nigeria.

LIMITATION OF STUDY Financial constraint– Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview). Time constraint– The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work. 1.8   DEFINITION OF TERMS Skill: the ability to do something well; expertise. Training: the action of teaching a person or animal a particular skill or type of behaviour. Vocations: A regular occupation, especially one for which a person is particularly suited or qualified.

REFERENCES Alemika, O. (2010, February 17:34). Revamping Technical Vocational Education. Daily Champion. Federal Republic of Nigeria (2004). National policy in Education (4th ed.) Lagos. NERDC Press Jean C. B. (2003). Education and Vocational Training, a Mainstream for All Groups across All Member States. A paper presented at the conference Impulses for European Employment Policy, impulses for Germany BMWA. Manfred, T and Jennifer, W. (2004). Vocational Education and Training key to the Future. Greece: Colibri Ltd. Odusami, E.D. & Ene, G.C. (2011). Constructivism: the Career and Technical Education Perspectives. Journal of Technical and Vocational Education, 6(1), 78-92.



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