Pparents‟ and senior high school students‟ attitudes towards vocational and technical education as career choice in the Sekondi Takoradi metropolis

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate parents‟ and senior high school (SHS) students‟ attitude towards VTE as a career choice in the Sekondi- Takoradi Metropolis in the Western Region of Ghana. The sample for the study was 337, made up of final year students in SHS in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis as well as 10 parents of students. The sample was selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data was collected from the students using a questionnaire whereas data was collected from the parents using an interview guide. Quantitative data collected was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics while qualitative data was analysed using thematic analyses. The study revealed that most of the students were not willing to enroll in VTE after their general secondary education. The study, revealed also that, the students generally had positive views that TVET can make students more employable. Further, the study revealed that all the parents viewed vocational and technical education positively. However, some few parents did not like the idea of their children pursuing VTE mainly because of the perception of society about TVET. The results showed also that male students had a better attitude towards vocational and technical education than female students. It was recommended that the Ghana Education Service together with Ministry of Education educate SHS students on the importance of TVET.