Inculcating Emerging Skills into TVET Curriculum in Metalwork/Automobile Technology to Enhance the Competence of TVET Students in Tertiary Institutions in Kogi State

Abstract

The study investigated the inculcation of emerging skills into TVET curriculum in Metalwork/Automobile Technology to enhance the competence of TVET students in tertiary institutions in Kogi State preparatory to the world of work. Four research questions and two hypotheses tested at 0.05 level of significance guided the study. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The population of the study comprised 142 respondents, including 11 lecturers, 14 technologists, 48 students, and 69 industrial workers from relevant tertiary institutions and industries in Kogi State. A structured questionnaire consisting of 44 items on a four-point rating scale was adapted from literature and used to collect data. The instrument underwent validation by academic and industry experts; and achieved a Cronbach’s Alpha reliability coefficient of 0.862, indicating good internal consistency. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions, while t-test statistics were employed to test the hypotheses. Findings revealed that key emerging skills required in the Metalwork/Automobile Technology field include computer-aided design, advanced manufacturing processes, electric and hybrid vehicle diagnostics, automation, and soft skills such as problem-solving and teamwork. Results further showed that the current TVET curriculum inadequately addresses industry-relevant emerging skills, with a significant gap between curriculum content and workplace demands. Hypotheses testing indicated that inculcating emerging skills into the TVET curriculum in metalwork/automobile significantly improves student competence, and the current curriculum fails to adequately measure up to industry benchmarks for such requisite skills. The study recommends that relevant education authorities, including the National Board for Technical Education and tertiary institutions management, collaborate with industry stakeholders to revise TVET curriculum in metalwork/automobile, provide modern training facilities, and build the capacity of educators to deliver emerging skills-based training. This will be a far-reaching measure in addressing youth unemployment and insecurity challenges in the country.