Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) has gained increasing recognition as a critical pathway to promote sustainable development, economic growth, and social inclusion in Ghana.

TVET is a form of education and training that equips individuals with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to perform specific jobs or functions.

Despite its importance, TVET is often undervalued and marginalized, leading to negative perceptions among stakeholders, which has its implications. Hence, authorities and stakeholders must strategize to promote positive perceptions for TVET to have the maximum impact in the country.

Perceptions around TVET

TVET is often associated with low-status jobs, low-quality education, and inadequate remuneration, leading to negative perceptions among stakeholders. Parents, students, and society at large often view TVET as a second-rate option compared to academic education. The lack of recognition and prestige associated with TVET has led to a shortage of skilled workers in critical industries such as manufacturing, engineering, and construction.

Perceptions of TVET also vary across different socio-economic groups. Low-income families often view TVET as a pathway to secure employment and improve their economic prospects. In contrast, higher-income families often view TVET as a last resort or a remedial option for underachieving students.

Implications of Negative Perceptions

The negative perceptions around TVET have several implications for individuals, society, and the economy. First, negative perceptions can deter students from pursuing TVET, leading to a shortage of skilled workers in critical industries. This, in turn, can limit economic growth and reduce the competitiveness of countries in the global market.

The negative perceptions can lead to a mismatch between the skills acquired by TVET graduates and the skills required by the job market. This can result in unemployment or underemployment among TVET graduates, leading to social exclusion and poverty.

Negative perceptions can perpetuate the cycle of poverty and inequality, particularly among marginalized communities. Without access to quality TVET, individuals from low-income families are unable to acquire the skills required to secure high-paying jobs, leading to limited economic prospects and social mobility.

Strategies to Promote Positive Perceptions

To promote positive perceptions around TVET, it is essential to address the root causes of negative perceptions and communicate the benefits of TVET to stakeholders. Some strategies to promote positive perceptions are to raise awareness. Governments, educational institutions, and employers should increase awareness about the importance and benefits of TVET. This can be done through campaigns, outreach programs, and engagement with stakeholders, which would improve communication and enable them to understand the importance of TVET.

Also, there has been a need for governments and educational institutions to improve the quality of TVET by investing in infrastructure, training, and curriculum development. This will help enhance the credibility and prestige of TVET. Knowing that TVET, when aligned with the needs of the job market to ensure that graduates acquire the skills required by employers, would expand the industry and boost the economy This can be done through partnerships with industry, internships, and work-based learning programs.

One key strategy to enhance the perception of TVET is when governments, educational institutions, and employers recognize the achievements of TVET graduates and promote success stories to demonstrate the value of TVET.

TVET has the potential to promote sustainable development, economic growth, and social inclusion. Hence, achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8: "Promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all."

However, negative perceptions around TVET can limit its impact and perpetuate the cycle of poverty and inequality. To promote positive perceptions, it is essential to raise awareness, improve quality, enhance relevance, and recognize achievements. Doing so, we can ensure that TVET is valued and recognized as a critical pathway to achieving sustainable development and improving the lives of individuals and communities.

Dennis Agyei Boateng is a Development Communication Expert. Email; Dennisagyei26@gmail.com.