The Cooperative Training Delusion in Ethiopia College-Industry Partnership Discrepancy in the TVET System of the Regional State of Amhara

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the practices of and the challenges faced by cooperative training in the public TVET system of the Regional State of Amhara. The study delivered on the basic issues focusing on the extent of industry commitment for cooperative training, duty accomplishment by the TVET sector and the major challenges on cooperative training in the study area. Quantitative data was collected from 361 teachers and 361 students in six TVET colleges through stratified and simple random sampling techniques. Eight teachers and nine students selected through purposive sampling were also involved in independently conducted focus group interview (FGI). Finally, data analysis using t-test coupled with effect size test in triangulation with qualitative data revealed that the involvement of enterprises in cooperative training was almost nil. The introduction of cooperative training without taking the existing contexts into consideration, reluctance of stakeholders to accomplish their duties and absence of binding legal framework and viable reward and compensation mechanisms impeded the effectiveness of cooperative training. Consequently, it is plausible to conclude that cooperative training is not only a futile and null report exercise but also a hardly executable strategy in the context of the study area. If credible outcomes are sought, it is essential to formulate and properly employ viable reward and motivation systems backed by binding legal framework to propel the interests of enterprises.