THE ROLE OF VOCATIONAL TRAINING IN BRIDGING SKILL GAP IN THE BUILDING INDUSTRY OF NIGERIA (A CASE STUDY OF DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY AND ABIA STATE UNIVERSITY)

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1   BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

Skills are what an individual possesses which may be learnt informally and/or on-the-job. Skill Gap is the difference in the skills required on the job and the actual skills possessed by the staff. A Skills Gap arises when a worker does not have all the skills necessary to do the job effectively. Therefore, skills gaps refer to the situation where an industry has workers but they are not skilled enough to meet the organizations’ objectives (Jean, 2003).

The building industry is growing but it seems the stock of competent skilled construction workers has dwindled (Odusami & Ene, 2011).A skill gap is the shortage in performance. It is the difference between what is required or expected and what we actually get. Put in another way a skill gap is the required performance minus the present performance. Hence it is also called the performance gap. Basically, a skills gap or performance gap is the difference between the actual or present performance and the optimal or future performance.

Vocational training is an educational training which encompasses knowledge, skills, competencies, structural activities, abilities, capabilities and all other structural experiences acquired through formal, on-the-job or off-the job which is capable of enhancing recipients opportunity for securing jobs in various sector of the economy or even enabling the person to be self-dependent by being a job creator. Federal Republic of Nigeria (2004) opined that vocational training is an aspect of the educational process involving, in addition to general education, the study of technologies and related sciences and the acquisition of practical skills, attitudes, understanding and knowledge relative to occupations in the building sector. Manfred and Jennifer (2004) advocated that vocational training comprises all more or less organized or structured activities that aim at providing people with the knowledge, skills and competencies necessary to perform a job or a set of jobs whether or not they lead to a formal qualification. These definitions show that the relationship between vocational training and skill development towards a sustainable building industry in Nigeria. Common indicators of Skills issues are poor workmanship and building failure. Nigerian cities with the exception of the enclave of the rich and powerful are characterized by poor quality structures, poor layout and streets access, lack of essential utility services, inadequate security, and social services (Alemika, 2010).Apparently, deficiencies exist between the skills of vocational workers and those required to meet the needs and expectations of employers in the Building sector which prompt the researcher to examine the role of vocational training in bridging the skill gap that exist in building industry in Nigeria. The skill gap in the Nigeria building industry can be attributed to the dwindling stock of competent skilled construction workers and the influx of unskilled, inefficient and dissatisfied workers who see the building sector as a last resort (ITF, 2014). Adequate and effective vocational training in Nigeria can meet the highly skilled human resource need in the Nigerian building industry. Skill needs in building sector includes building drawing skills, surveying, landscaping and site preparation skills, foundation skills, ability to use machines for construction, ability to use hand tools for practical work,brick and block laying skills, roofing skills,masonry skills in building,concreting and reinforcement skills,carpentry and joinery skills,final finishes skills andplumbing skills.In recent times, the government of Nigeria through the Federal Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development has shown concern about the present dearth of skilled artisans and craftsmen in the building construction industry. They asserted that artisans and craftsmen constitute an important component of the value chain in housing delivery and essential for the production of well-built, good quality and durable housing on a greater scale across the country.The ministry is using two vocational training centres located in Lagos state to upgrade the skills of this category of tradesmen. The ministry recently completed the renovation and upgrading of its facilities at the Harvey road, Yaba-Lagos training centre and a school of Architectural and Building Technicians is being constructed in Kuje, in the FCT. Efforts are being made by the Nigeria Federal government to establish six more skills acquisition/ vocational training centres in different parts of the country, as well as undertake a review of the curricula for artisan and vocational training in conjunction with relevant institutions.

1.2   STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Apart from skill obsolescence that occurs over time in the Nigerian building industry, there are other factors that cause skill gaps which an effective vocational training would have curtailed.  A major factor is the changing pattern of working in building industry. The current trends in the world of work such as globalization, commercialization, flexi-hour, deregulation, outsourcing, contract work, homework and freelancing have led to marked changes in industry structure.  New definition, new meaning, and new application of knowledge drive all these changes.  New forms of work structures which are flexible, adaptable, less hierarchical, and multi-skilled and which encourage continuous learning are becoming sources of competitive advantage in the building industry.  International competition for jobs and workers has also intensified, leading to the global talent hunt for innovation-driven knowledge workers. However, the researcher is examining the role of vocational training in bridging these skill gaps that exists in the Nigerian building industry.

1.3   OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The following are the objectives of this study:

1. To examine the role of vocational training in bridging the skill gap that existed in Nigerian building industry.
2. To identify the skill gaps in the Nigerian building industry.
3. To examine the effectiveness and adequacy of vocational training in Nigeria.

1.4   RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1. What is the role of vocational training in bridging the skill gap that existed in Nigerian building industry?
2. What are the skill gaps in the Nigerian building industry?
3. What is the effectiveness and adequacy of vocational training in Nigeria?

1.5   HYPOTHESIS

HO: Vocational training has not bridged the skill gap in Nigeria building industry.

HA: Vocational training has bridged the skill gap in Nigeria building industry.

1.6   SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The following are the significance of this study:

1. The outcome of this study will educate the general public, government and policy makers on the level of vocational training in Nigeria and also the skill gaps that existed in the Nigeria building industry considering the role of vocational training.
2. This research will also serve as a resource base to other scholars and researchers interested in carrying out further research in this field subsequently, if applied will go to an extent to provide new explanation to the topic.

1.7   SCOPE/LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

This study on the role of vocational training in bridging skill gap in the building industry in Nigeria will cover the successes and failure of buildings and other structures in Nigeria has a reference in ascertaining the level of competency of Nigeria builders. It will also cover the structure of vocational training in Nigeria.

LIMITATION OF STUDY

Financial constraint- Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).

Time constraint- The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.

1.8   DEFINITION OF TERMS

Skill: the ability to do something well; expertise.

Training: the action of teaching a person or animal a particular skill or type of behaviour.

Vocations:A regular occupation, especially one for which a person is particularly suited or qualified.