Programme development and employability in higher education institutions in Zambia

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explain the role of employability in programme development in the technical education, vocational and entrepreneurship training (TEVET) sector, in Zambia. The study focus was on TEVET training authority (TEVETA) a quasi government organ mandated to develop curricula for the TEVET sector and on the ministry of science, technology and vocational training (MSTVT), the ministry responsible for TEVET. The study employed a case study design using the qualitative strategy. The sample was purposefully selected consisting of five respondents from TEVETA, four respondents from MSTVT and one respondent from Livingstone institute of business and engineering studies (LIBES). The study utilized the semi-structured interview guide and the data collection process was conducted through face to face individual interview at MSTVT and LIBES, and focused group interview at TEVETA.

The study revealed that only 41 percent of TEVET is higher education since TEVET starts at a point when an individual is able to learn a skill for whatever purpose, for employment or entrepreneurship, regardless of their educational background. TEVETA designs programmes for the TEVET sector through collaboration with employers, workers, training providers and the informal sector representations.