Exploring Competency Models and Its Effects on TVET Instructors in Apparel Patternmaking Processes in Ghana

Abstract

A competency-based TVET system utilises combinations of dominant techniques to ensure that the needs of different industry sectors such as the fashion industry are addressed. In many countries including Ghana, nevertheless, most skills gained during TVET training are too narrow in scope, lack overall context and misses the demand of the labour market. The present study explored competency models and its effects on TVET instructors in apparel pattern making processes in selected Polytechnics offering the fashion design program in Ghana. Both exploratory and descriptive research design was chosen for the study. This study also adopted the quantitative methodology thus questionnaires were the main instruments employed for data collection. The study analysed the opinions of both staff and students. The major empirical findings of the study demonstrate that in CBT, instructors focus their attention on what students have to do and not how they do it. The results also imply that regarding adoption of the different approaches to competency models, the Polytechnics implement competency-based models that are closely aligned with the vision, values and mission which provide broad, quick and consistent impacts.

Keywords: Fashion, apparel, patternmaking, competency models