Role of Vocational Training in Improving Employee Performance a Case Study of Nakawa Vocational Institute

Abstract

The study aimed at assessing the role of vocational training on employee performance in different organisations, case study being Nakawa Vocational Institute in Kampala concentrating solely on individuals who underwent training in that institute in their different organisations. The study was mainly looking at vocational training and the skills and techniques acquired and how these skills helped individuals to explore all their potential and capabilities in a way that made them perform significantly better than all those individuals who did not obtain this training.

The researcher used a cross sectional research design with both qualitative and quantitative methods with a population study of 320 people out of which a sample size of 158 employees and employers of Coca Cola, Kakira Sugar Works and Nile Breweries who went through Nakawa was chosen. Using simple random sampling, respondents were chosen from the different organisations and these had all undergone vocational training. Both questionnaires and interview guides were used to collect data from the selected respondents. Both the primary and secondary data were used during collection of data. Data was collected by use of questioners, interview guides and observation methods and analysed in form of tables, graphs and pie charts.

The findings revealed that vocational training contributes positively towards improving employees’ performance. It was discovered that the training offered to individuals enables them to increase creativity, become more innovative work faster and be efficient. Specialisation helps them to master all there is to a job while apprenticeship gives workers a hands on experience to what the job requires which enables them to transition faster and fit in and do as required and expected of them. It was also discovered that the skills acquired have to be utilised appropriately to be effective and this includes matching the skills to the job, favourable conditions and proper supervision. However despite all the positive outcomes of vocational training, individuals who have undergone this training still face several challenges that still continue to pose threats to employees’ performance.

Organisations should emphasise their labour market needs and make it easier for individuals to attain training in areas that they can be useful. Also there is a need for organisations to ensure that they accommodate these employees well, encourage their skill use, provide proper working conditions and rewards to boost the growth of the number of individuals who underwent training in most companies.

It was also discovered that there is a need to further look into the process of choosing the right vocational training for each individual and getting into a course that best suits them. Furthermore, the challenges individuals encounter when transitioning from the old technology studied in the institution to the new technology adopted by most of the companies today. These are some of the areas to be considered for further study.

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