Industrial Attachment in Polytechnic Education: An Approach to Polytechnic-Industry Nexus in Human Capital Development of Selected Polytechnics in Ghana

Abstract

The institution of industrial attachment in polytechnic education is significant. Industrial attachment underpinned by experiential learning is most appropriate option to enhancing polytechnic-industry nexus in the development of technically skilled and productive human capital potentials for the world of work. However, the polytechnic-industry collaboration in human capital development is hampered by inadequate educational infrastructure, logistics, funding for laboratories, workshops and industrial attachment supervision as well as poor Information Communication Technology (ICT) development. The objective of the paper is to examine industrial attachment in polytechnic education as an approach to polytechnic-industry nexus in human capital development. Mixed method and explanatory research designs were employed in conducting the study. Purposive, simple random and systematic sampling techniques were adopted in selecting a sample of 594 respondents. Survey and interviews were adopted as methods of data collection. Instruments such as questionnaire, interview guide, and focus group discussions were used in collecting data. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed in data processing and analysis. The polytechnic-industry collaboration is weak. It is limited to sharpening of lecturer’s skills, practical training for students and the drafting and review of polytechnic curriculum. The relatively weak linkage were in joint research, provision of teaching and learning materials, funds for research, and the use of industry executives as guest lecturers. The Conference of Rectors of Polytechnics and Chief Executive Officers of industries should establish sustainable collaborative structures to enhance the nexus between polytechnics and industry in the development of productive and technically trained human capital in Ghanaian polytechnics.

Keywords: Polytechnic-industry nexus, polytechnic education, human capital development, industrial attachment, experiential learning, selected polytechnics in Ghana