The Role of Industry Partnerships and Internship Programs in TVET Institutions in Enhancing Solar Photovoltaic Industry Readiness in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya

Abstract

The sudden rise of renewable energy, more so in the solar PV sector, increases the demand for a highly competent workforce that can install, maintain, and operate Solar PV Plants. This demand has increased calls by the industry in Kenya for work-readiness among graduates from Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions. In Uasin Gishu County, the adoption of solar energy is increasing, making it even more relevant for TVET institutions to engage more with the industry players in preparing students for the workforce. However, despite all these initiatives, the preparedness of graduates for the demands of this industry still remains a major cause for concern due to challenges such as outdated equipment and limited industry engagement, affecting graduate readiness. This study evaluated how industry partnerships and internship programs can better prepare trainees for careers in the solar photovoltaic (PV) sector in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. Using a descriptive survey research design, the research focused on trainers and trainees from various technical training institutions, targeting a population of 321 individuals using a stratified random sampling method to gather a representative sample of 178 participants. Data was collected through structured questionnaires and interviews. To ensure the study's integrity, pilot testing was done conducted and statistical analyses performed to confirm the validity and reliability of their instruments. Data was analysed descriptively and inferentially using SPSS version 26. The results showed a weak but statistically significant relationship between industry partnerships and internship programs and industry readiness among TVET graduates in Uasin Gishu County (r=0.374, p<0.01). Further, while industry partnerships and internship programs did have an influence on industry readiness, the effect was not statistically significant (β1= 0.209, p> 0.05). Therefore, this study recommends that there is need for industries to strengthen ties and increasing practical exposure through internships and collaborative projects to better prepare trainees for the solar PV sector.