Identification of Vocational Training Needs of the Youths as a Strategy for Human Capital Development (Published)
The paper identified the vocational training needs of the youths, exploring their demographic possibilities that could influence their choice of vocational training. This becomes important since investment in the youths in terms of empowerment through their preferred vocational training could be an invaluable approach to enhancing the human capital development. The study employed a correlation research design. The participants of the study (N=2,520) were youths drawn from Anambra State using Purposive sampling technique. Data collected were analyzed using mean and standard deviation, bivariate correlation, t-test, chi-square and multiple regression. Findings from the study revealed that vocational training areas in artisan, agriculture, production/service and technical/technology such as; up-cycling and recycling, aquaculture, sales and marketing services, internet and digital services, among others, were identified as vocational training needs of the youths in Anambra State. Findings from multiple regression analysis revealed a significant association between education qualification and production/service training, among others. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that the vocational training needs identified by the youths should be revived and made accessible by the government in collaboration with philanthropists and experienced successful entrepreneurs so as to ensure that there is unrestricted access to any preferred vocational training chosen by any youth.
Keywords: Age, Gender, Human Capital Development, Youths, education qualification, unemployed youths, vocational training needs