The Member of Parliament (MP) for Kwesimintsim, Dr Prince Armah Hamid has called for more effort to be invested into the enhancement of Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in the country.

According to him, over the years, TVET has not received the needed attention and investment as compare to grammar type schools, despite the fact that TVET actually makes a greater contribution to job creation and economic growth.

He said one of the greatest setbacks of TVET is policy choices by the country, which gives more priority to grammar type of school.

 The Kwesimintsim MP pointed out that another issue that requires addressing is the nature of progression along the TVET pathway, indicating “unlike the grammar system where there is a clear path – from JHS to SHS and tertiary – those in the TVET system have a labyrinthine system of qualifications that can be a disincentive to those considering it.”

Dr Armah suggested that what the country needs to do is the simplification and streamlining of the vocational training qualification framework that is aligned to and analogous to the grammar system.

He said, this way, those in the TVET system may even be able to transit smoothly to the grammar system because it will be possible to find a corresponding qualification or grade they can use to enter.

Fortunately, he the Ministry of Education is working on a national qualification framework that will address this particular issue also.

“Thankfully, the Akufo-Addo administration, since taking over in 2017, has made concerted efforts to address this disparity in investments.

“Key among these is the Jobs and Skills Project, which train and empower master craftsmen to provide training to apprentices. Funding will also be provided under the project for new and existing businesses to enable them to grow and employ more people,” he said.

By Adelaide Oforiwaa