Improving technical skills gap of mechanical technician trainees in the fitter machinist section: a case of jinja vocational training institute

Abstract

The study was conducted at Jinja Vocational Training Institute, one of the public institutions in the country, established to empower graduates with employable skills and competences relevant to labour market. The purpose of the study was to investigate how to improve the technical skills gap of mechanical technician trainees in the fitter machinist section. The study was guided by four objectives: To establish the gaps hindering practical skills acquisition in the fitter machinist section at Jinja Vocational Training Institute; identify measures of addressing the gaps hindering practical skills acquisition in the section; implement the measures identified to improve practical skills acquisition and, evaluate the identified measures put in place to improve practical skills acquisition. To realize these objectives, an action research study was conducted at the institute with the stake holders who were predominantly trainees from the fitter machinist section. The research design was descriptive in nature. Action research was preferred because it involved the critical stages of planning, observing, acting and evaluation of every cycle. A sample size of five participants was purposively selected to conduct the study. Data was collected through interviews, focus group discussions, future workshop and, observations using tools like manila paper, log forms and a camera to record data. An evaluation was carried out through questionnaires and observations which revealed that the implementation conducted during the study was appropriate because it yielded the expected results; training facilities are now available for effective skills transfer. Thereafter, recommendations were made towards better improvement of the training and learning processes in the institute in general and practical skills acquisition in particular. Key words: Competences, Skills-transfer, Fitter machinist, Facilities, Skills gap