ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN TRAINING RELEVANCE FOR ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT SERVICING IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES IN UASIN-GISHU AND NANDI COUNTIES OF KENYA

Abstract

The research sought to investigate whether electrical engineering technicians were equipped with skills and knowledge relevant for the changing industrial needs. The purpose of the study was to evaluate whether electrical engineering technician training offered at public TVET institutions is relevant for electrical equipment servicing in manufacturing industries in Nandi and Uasin-Gishu counties of Kenya. The findings are beneficial for developing policies that will ensure effective implementation of engineering technician training that is relevant to the needs of the labor market. Quantitative research methods were used with purposive sampling techniques used to achieve the required sample size. The research focused on electrical engineering technicians working at the selected industries and technical trainers in public TVET institutions, teaching at the electrical engineering departments. Data was collected by use of three sets of questionnaires, targeting trainers, technicians and employers, and these instruments were pre-tested to ensure its validity by determining the internal consistency of the research instruments. Based on the findings from data analysis, electrical engineering technicians perceived the training acquired at TVET institutions as good. The electrical engineering trainers perceived the availability of resources including modern automation and control training equipment and participation of the industry in engineering technician training to be fair. Employers consider engineering manipulative and skills required for operation of automated machinery as important. The study recommends that adequate training resources be allocated to achieve training relevant for the needs of the industry, the TVET institutions need to strengthen linkages and collaboration with the industries to ensure the training offered is up-to date with the needs of the industry, KICD in collaboration with CDACC and SSACs should develop a curriculum that addresses the competence requirements and occupational standard needs of the manufacturing industries.