The relationship between vocational education and training (VET) and manpower for SMEs

Abstract

Given the dynamic world, workers have to constantly update their knowledge and skills to remain competitive in a knowledge-based society. Thus, it is of utmost importance that educational and training systems impart relevant skills to future workers. Vocational Education and Training (VET) is entrusted with the responsibility of equipping students with the right skills to meet employers' needs, particularly those of SMFs as the latter are deemed to be the backbone of the economy. This dissertation seeks to analyse whether VET students are equipped with the appropriate skills required by SMEs. Quantitative research methods were used to generate significant findings, specifically by means of a questionnaire. The outcome of the questionnaire was that SMEs are fairly satisfied with students' skills. This could be due to the fact that the majority of SMEs do not interact with VET institutions and thus, institutions are not fully aware about the skills needed by the industry. Another finding was that the majority of the SMEs encourage workers to constantly update their skills to remain competitive in this sporadic environment, especially in the light of the Lisbon Agenda process.