Assessment on Practical Training in Garment Construction: The Case of Formal and Informal Institutions in the Wa Municipality of Ghana

Abstract

Most fashion design students after completing their programme in the formal sector return to the informal sector for practical training in the Wa Municipality of Ghana. It was observed that the apprentices in the informal sector were conversant with direct cutting method and seemed to be more practically inclined than students in the formal training sector of the Municipality. The study therefore assessed the methods of cutting-out in garment construction course by trainees in the formal and informal sectors. Data collected from the trainees and trainers in the formal and informal institutions of the Wa Municipality. Two hundred and forty (240) students from the formal institutions, 120 trainees from the informal institutions, 18 formal trainers (teachers) and 60 informal trainers were sampled for the study. Results of the study revealed that teachers and students in the formal institutions were not conversant with the direct cutting method due to lack of standard books and were not keen at teaching direct cutting. Trainers and trainees in the informal institutions were conversant with both direct cutting and pattern drafting methods but also complained on the non-availability of documented instructions on direct cutting method. Student trainees in the formal institutions did not also have adequate practical periods making them inadequately fit to join the fashion industry. The trainees in the informal institutions though regarded as ‘roadside’ products, acquired skills in direct cutting method and could establish businesses though their cutting method wastes fabric and time. The direct cutting has also becomes the most common method engaged by many dressmakers in Ghana. The study recommends fashion scholars publish books on the right drafting method for direct cutting and the Ministry of Education to review the TVET curriculum, allocating more time for practical training and acquisition of skills.

Keywords: Cutting-out methods, Trainees, Formal sector, Informal sector, Wa Municipality, Skills

DOI: 10.7176/JEP/13-1-03

Publication date: January 31^st 2022