HomeUniversal Journal of Educational Researchvol. 4 no. 1 (2025)

Addressing the Skills Gap: Alignment of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) with Industry Demand in Ghana's Hospitality Sector

Adams Yakubu | Desmond Bayong

Discipline: Teacher Training

 

Abstract:

This study examines the deficiencies in customer service, leadership, information technology, and health and safety skills present in Ghana's hospitality sector. Recommendations are presented to address identified gaps in vocational education and training (VET) and enhance workforce performance. The study employed quantitative methods, using questionnaires focused on various competencies and vertical interviews with selected VET providers and industry experts. This approach aims to assess the significance of these competencies and identify areas requiring enhancement. Deficiencies in digital literacy, health, and safety are acknowledged as critical in the post-COVID-19 context. Customer service and leadership necessitate ongoing training and development. Findings indicate that training is applicable both locally and globally. The results suggest that such training should be implemented locally within the hospice and technology sectors, as health standards vary across different regions worldwide. Additional differentiation of VTPs is required to execute the tasks necessary for improving VRRC in the ICT sector, particularly in security. The practical implications suggest that the TVET curriculum requires revision to include ongoing competencies and skills assessment across various industries. The proposed reforms address skill deficiencies in Ghana's hospitality sector, enhancing service quality and generating employment opportunities. This study is significant for contextualising vocational training within the sector and contributes to the broader discourse on human capital development in hospitality.



References:

  1. Afeti, G. (2024). Promoting employment-oriented skills development in Africa: Reality, relevance and research as enablers. Journal of Vocational, Adult and Continuing Education and Training, 7(2), 13-13.
  2. Anyigba, H., Preko, A., & Senayah, W. K. (2024). Ghana's textile and apparel sector: a strategic assessment of skills needs and development through the STED framework. Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning, 14(2), 293-312.
  3. Bayong, D., Bawuah, B., & Amoah, E. (2024). Advancing environmental, social, and governance disclosure in emerging economies: does regulatory environment and ownership structure matter? SN Business & Economics, 5(1), 11.
  4. Cabecinhas, M., Domingues, P., Sampaio, P., & Arezes, P. (2020). Diffusion, drivers and trends on integrated management systems evolution among Portuguese companies. International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Safety, 4(1), 15-36.
  5. Chen, P., Goncharova, A., Li, J., & Frommberger, D. (2024). Competence-based approaches in curricula: A comparative analysis of Russian and Chinese commercial vocational education and training programmes. Research in Comparative and International Education, 19(1), 63-90.
  6. Cherepovitsyn, A., & Rutenko, E. (2022). Strategic Planning of Oil and Gas Companies: The Decarbonization Transition. Energies, 15(17), 6163.
  7. Cherunya, P., & Ahlborg, H. (2020). Report from scoping of innovation hubs across Africa. Profiling best practices to inform establishment of an energy innovation hub at the University of Rwanda. Chalmers University of Technology.
  8. Chivunga, M., Abudu, D., & Lemma, A. (2024). Advancing AfCFTA digital trade implementation in Ghana.
  9. Chiwira, O., Muchingami, L., & Jambani, L. (2023). Exports and economic growth: relationships and threshold analysis for the Southern Africa customs union. International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147-4478), 12(8), 274-288.
  10. Chrimes, T., Gootjes, B., Kose, M. A., & Wheeler, C. M. (2024). The Great Reversal. Available at SSRN 4816603.
  11. Commission, A. U. (2023). Policies to accelerate sustainable investments for Africa.
  12. Commission, A. U. (2024). Policies for productive and inclusive skills development in Africa.
  13. Curtó-Pagès, F., Ortega-Rivera, E., Castellón-Durán, M., & Jané-Llopis, E. (2021). Coming in from the cold: A longitudinal analysis of SDG reporting practices by Spanish listed companies since the approval of the 2030 agenda. Sustainability, 13(3), 1178.
  14. Dadzie, C., Fumey, M., & Namara, S. (2020). Youth employment programs in Ghana: Options for effective policy making and implementation. World Bank Publications.
  15. Daniels, C., Erforth, B., & Teevan, C. (2023). Africa–Europe Cooperation and Digital Transformation. Taylor & Francis.
  16. Dewa, O., Makoka, D., & Ayo-Yusuf, O. A. (2021). Assessing capacity and implementation status of the disaster risk management strategy for health and community disaster resilience in Malawi. International Journal of Disaster Risk Science, 12(5), 673-688.
  17. Embo, M., De Grave, H., Van Der Stighelen, S., Valcke, M., Tengera, O., Muhayimana, A., Murekezi, J., Ndayisenga, J. P., & Mukamana, D. (2021). Can ePortfolios Scaffold Competency-based Workplace Learning in Low-income Countries? Lessons Learnt from a Qualitative Pilot Study in Midwifery Education in Rwanda. International Conference on Medical Education (ICME 2021),
  18. Espey, J., Badiee, S., Dahmm, H., Appel, D., & Noe, L. (2019). Counting on the world to act: A roadmap for governments to achieve modern data systems for sustainable development.
  19. Floyd, R., & Calovski, D. “This book provides expert insights and thoughtful perspectives that are immensely useful for policymakers and stakeholders in understanding innovation and digital opportunities for Africa–Europe cooperation. This is a must for your reading list”.
  20. Freeman, R. E., & Phillips, R. A. (2002). Stakeholder theory: A libertarian defense. Business ethics quarterly, 12(3), 331-349.
  21. Lin, B., & Huang, C. (2023). Promoting variable renewable energy integration: the moderating effect of digitalization. Applied Energy, 337, 120891.
  22. Marques, M. L. V., da Motta, R. S., Uhr, D. d. A. P., & Uhr, J. Z. (2024). 45 Years of Publications in Energy Economics: Evolution and Thematic Trends. arXiv preprint arXiv:2407.05974.
  23. Mbaziira, R., Carmona Moreno, C., Crestaz, E., Farinosi, F., & Biedler, M. (2022). Establishing common water sector priorities in Africa.
  24. Mirieri, J. (2024). Linking Technical, Vocational Education and Training to Market Demands: A Case of TVET Institutions in Nairobi County Kenyatta University].
  25. Mokgokong, M. J. (2024). A Research and Development Model for Planning and Development in South Africa’s Provincial Administration: A Case of Selected Provinces
  26. Mwinkume, G., Nandakumar, C., Aidoo, E., & Raj, A. (2024). Enhanced multinomial logistic regression analysis of determinants influencing technical and vocational education and training (TVET) choices among Ghanaian youth: Implications for policy development. Journal of Infrastructure, Policy and Development, 8(11), 8642.
  27. Nahayo, A., & Mathuki, P. (2021). THE EAST AFRICAN LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY: PARLIAMENTARY INSTITUTIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR EVIDENCE USE. African Parliaments Volume 2: Systems of Evidence in Practice, 55.
  28. Nalban, V. (2024). TECHNICAL ASSITANCE REPORT.
  29. Neupane, N., Shakya, S., Koirala, S., & Khadka, M. (2024). Identifying Market Challenges and Opportunities in Mixed Farming System Piloted Sites of Mid-hills Of Nepal: The Khotang Case.
  30. Nyambane, A., & Ozor, N. (2020). THE STATE OF OPEN CONTRACTING IN SELECTED AFRICAN COUNTRIES.
  31. Oppong, N. B. (2022). Sustainable development goals and small and medium enterprises: a comparative study of emerging economies and Sub-Saharan Africa. Global Business Review, 09721509221087848.
  32. Organization, W. H. (2022). Global polio surveillance action plan 2022-2024. World Health Organization.
  33. Organization, W. H., Health, W. O. f. A., & Environment, U. (2022). Antimicrobial Resistance Multi-Partner Trust Fund annual report 2021: Annual report 2023. World Health Organization.
  34. Osei, D., Oteng-Abayie, F., Shah, N., Bainson, A., Fenny, A., Osei, C., & Rosengren, A. (2021). About SEDI.
  35. Ozor, N., & Nyambane, A. (2020). The state of open contracting in selected African countries. Humanist Institute for Co-operation with Developing Countries (HIVOS). https://bit. ly/3S78CTz.
  36. Paramole, O. C., & Adeoye, M. A. (2024). The effect of educational aspirations on labor market outcomes in secondary vocational education in Africa. Jurnal Pendidikan Vokasi, 14(2).
  37. Pepłowska, M., & Olczak, P. (2024). Review of Research on the Impact of Changes Resulting from the Hard Coal Mining Sector in Poland on the GDP Value. Energies, 17(6), 1477.
  38. Ramadhan, H., Muhangi, L., Hitchen, J., Fischer-Mackey, J., Akumu, M., Bartoldus, R., Bennett, S., Ssali, S., & Leach, B. (2021). About SEDI.
  39. Razzaque, A., Akib, H., & Rahman, J. (2020). Bangladesh’s Graduation from the Group of LDCs: Potential Implications and Issues for the Private Sector. Bangladesh Enterprise Institute: Dhaka, Bangladesh.
  40. Reinsberg, B., Shishlov, I., Michaelowa, K., & Michaelowa, A. (2020). Climate change-related trust funds at the multilateral development banks.
  41. Rieckmann, M., & Muñoz, R. T. Environmental and Sustainability Education in the Context of the Sustainable Development Goals.
  42. Roos, M. (2023). Non-financial firms' Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) scores and their financial performance University of Twente].
  43. Sahoo, A., Nechifor, V., Ferrari, E., Ferreira, V., & Amany, D. S. D. (2024). On the positive economic impacts of port infrastructure development and seaborne trade efficiencies in Sub-Saharan Africa: the case of Senegal. Maritime Economics & Logistics, 1-24.
  44. Schuerkens, U., & Wohlmuth, K. (2023). New Business Opportunities created by the Digital Transformation in West Africa-An Introduction. Business Opportunities, Start-Ups, and Digital Transformation in Africa, 249.
  45. Schultz, T. W. (1971). Education and Productivity.
  46. Seladji, C., Brairi, S., Benyelles, H., Messaoudi, M., Dib, A., Zerga, A., Colombo, E., & Crevani, G. Unveiling Africa's R&I Landscape: Mapping Capacities, Horizontal Skills, and Actions. In Localized Energy Transition in the 4th Industrial Revolution (pp. 257-298). CRC Press.
  47. Shilongo, K., Gaffley, M., Plantinga, P., Adams, R., & Olorunju, N. (2024). Landscape study of AI policies and use in Southern Africa.
  48. Singh, U. K. (2024). Sustainable Development Goals in South Africa: Progress and Challenges. Regional Dimensions of Human Development in India and South Africa: Through Sustainable Development Goals, 93-146.
  49. Suharto, R. B. (2024). Policy Model in the Field of Environmental Protection and Management To implement the Job Creation Law. Global International Journal of Innovative Research, 2(6), 1068-1080.
  50. Szebini, A., Anyango, E., Orora, A., & Agwe, J. (2021). A technical review of select de-risking schemes to promote rural and agricultural finance in sub-Saharan Africa.
  51. Thys, T. H., Wait, C., & Truter, I. (2022). Strategic Management in the Public Sector. African Sun Media.
  52. Trogrlić, R. Š., Reiter, K., Ciurean, R. L., Gottardo, S., Torresan, S., Daloz, A. S., Ma, L., Fumero, N. P., Tatman, S., & Hochrainer-Stigler, S. (2024). Challenges in assessing and managing multi-hazard risks: A European stakeholders perspective. Environmental Science & Policy, 157, 103774.
  53. Vhumbunu, C. H., Rudigi, J. R., & Mawire, C. (2023). Assessing Infrastructure Integration in African Regional Economic Communities (RECs): Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities. Journal of African Union Studies, 12(1).
  54. Wang, R., & Tan, J. (2021). Exploring the coupling and forecasting of financial development, technological innovation, and economic growth. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 163, 120466.
  55. Yamane, T., & Kaneko, S. (2022). The Sustainable Development Goals as new business norms: A survey experiment on stakeholder preferences. Ecological Economics, 191, 107236.