Enhancing Graduate Employability through Employers’ Engagement in WIL in Tanzanian TVET and Training Institutions

Abstract

Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) fundamentally is a pillar for improving employability among graduates. Nonetheless, evidence concerning engagement of employers in WIL in institutions under the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Tanzania is minimally established. The research closed the gap that existed in the by examining engagement of employers in WIL among institutions in Tanzania under TVET. A mixed method comprising quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews was adopted. Based on students’ enrolment status and graduate outputs, four institutions under TVET were chosen purposively. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression were adopted for quantitative data analysis while thematic analysis was adopted for analyzing qualitative data. The results disclose that levels of employers’ engagement, motivation and skills development at p < 0.05 were significant and positive in predicting employability of graduates. The research presents conclusion that engagement of employers in WIL programmes boost TVET employability of graduates. Formalizing and sustaining partnerships between institutions under TVET, policymakers, and employers through development of curricula, students’ review, funding, and training placements were recommended for strengthening quality of WIL and employability of graduates.