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
ISSN: 2042-3896
Article publication date: 25 August 2023
Issue publication date: 2 April 2024
Abstract
Purpose
This study is to examine and develop sector skills strategies and action plans for the textile and apparel (T&A) sector.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper used a participatory action qualitative method anchored on the Skills for Trade and Economic Diversification (STED) framework, utilising the workshop-based approach with 24 key stakeholders of the sector. Content analysis was used with the help of Nvivo software.
Findings
The findings revealed that there are skills shortages, skills gaps, skills mismatches and skills diversification programmes available through higher education and work-based learning. Further, there are labour supply challenges such as national skills policy and strategy, government and stakeholder coordination, funding, relevance of curriculum and qualifications, access to practicals and the absence of a clear national vision for the sector.
Research limitations/implications
This study possesses an inherent limitation in terms of generalising the findings derived from qualitative research.
Originality/value
This research is among the first of its kind to assess skills needs and gaps through the lens of STED framework, which has been overlooked in previous literature. Importantly, this study provides vocational insights into skill needs in the sector.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors acknowledge Dr. Vanessa Phala, ILO Country Director for Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone and liaison for ECOWASMs, Noamy Lintini (ILO), Ms. Ilca Webster (ILO), Mr. Frank Kwasi Adetor (ILO), Dr. Fred Kyei Asamoah (Director General of Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training, Mr. Theophilus Tetteh Zogblah (CTVET), Ms. Salma Salifu (Chairperson of Apparel, Garments and Textiles Sector Skills Body[SSB]), Vice: Madam Linda Ampah [SSB] and Madam Veronica Adjei, proofreader. Any remaining errors or deficiencies are solely the authors’ responsibility.
Citation
Anyigba, H., Preko, A. and 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, Vol. 14 No. 2, pp. 293-312. https://doi.org/10.1108/HESWBL-12-2022-0290
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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