Assessment of the Role of Technical Institutions in Uganda: A Case of Jinja Vocational Training Institute

Abstract

This study was conducted at Jinja Vocational Training Institute, a public institution located in Jinja district. It was established to empower technicians with employable skills and competences relevant to the labour market. The purpose of the study was to assess the role of Technical institutions in the country with a case of JVTI. The study was guided by three objectives viz: examine the role of JVTI; establish the challenges faced by JVTI; and suggest solutions to the challenges faced by JVTI. To attain these objectives, a research was conducted at the Institute which involved the stakeholders: administration, instructing staff, and the trainees. The study used both descriptive and cross sectional design, and data was collected through questionnaires. It was analyzed using qualitative and quantitative approaches and the results were edited, entered into the package where it was summarized and tabulated. Findings revealed that Jinja VTI plays many roles like: producing skilled man power; preparing future instructors; instilling knowledge attitude and nurturing trainees into useful citizens. Regarding challenges, the following were established: no adequate equipment & tools; the curriculum is out dated, rigid and, fully controlled by the Government; limited interface between VET and the WOW; inadequate funding by the Government; instructors are not regularly upgraded; and equipment provided are obsolete. The solutions to the challenges include: availing of new machinery; opening up collaboration with the world of work; upgrading of instructors regularly to make them relevant; and devising other ways of generating funds to supplement the Government grants. Conclusion was drawn per objective and recommendations made to improve the training generally, and suggestions for further research to compare the results.