Workplace Readiness and Employability Skills Among Nigerian Technical College Students in Electrical Installation (Published)
This paper explores workplace readiness and employability skills among Nigerian technical college students specialising in electrical installation. As the demand for skilled technical labour continues to rise, there is growing concern about whether the training provided by technical colleges adequately prepares students for real-world employment. The study, which is literature-based, examines the existing curriculum structure, the integration of soft and hard skills, the nature of industry-academic collaboration, and the relevance of assessment and certification methods in aligning with labour market needs. Findings from reviewed literature indicate that while technical colleges in Nigeria offer foundational knowledge in electrical installation, there are significant gaps in employability skill development. These include insufficient soft skill training, limited industry exposure, outdated curriculum content, and inadequate infrastructure. Furthermore, the weak link between educational institutions and the private sector has contributed to the growing disconnect between training and actual workplace expectations. The paper recommends curriculum reform that reflects current industry practices, strengthened partnerships between colleges and employers, competency-based assessments, and improved training for educators. It also emphasises the need for embedding employability-focused learning approaches that balance technical proficiency with critical soft skills.
Keywords: Electrical Installation, Employability Skills, curriculum reform, industry partnership, technical education, workplace readiness