Determinants Influencing Employability Skill Acquisition among CBET-Trained Livestock Technicians in Tanzania: A Structural Equation Modelling Approach

Balija Luyombya; Kisoza Lwekeza James; Malongo Richard Simalike Mlozi; Valery Sonola

doi:10.37284/eajis.8.2.3964

Balija Luyombya Livestock Training Agency
Kisoza Lwekeza James Open University of Tanzania
Malongo Richard Simalike Mlozi Sokoine University of Agriculture
Valery Sonola Livestock Training Agency

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37284/eajis.8.2.3964

Keywords: CBET, Employability Skills, Livestock Technical Training, Work-Integrated Learning, Structural Equation Modelling

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Abstract

The influence of Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) in providing graduates with employability skills is a significant issue in Tanzania's livestock sector. The study used Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) on survey data from 274 graduates, and a multi-stage sampling method was used and stratified to select 23 employers to identify which CBET-related factors drive the acquisition of employability skills among livestock technicians. The analysis concentrated on four principal constructs: comprehension of CBET, tutors' subject matter mastery and delivery skills about CBET, accessibility of instructional and learning resources, and work-integrated learning. The findings revealed that although CBET effectively imparts technical skills, substantial deficiencies remain in generic skills. SEM analysis revealed that instructional and learning resources (standard β = 0.5476, p = 0.000) and work-related learning (standard β = 0.3632, p = 0.000) significantly influenced students’ acquisition of employability skills. Comprehension of the CBET approach had a significant indirect effect (standard β = 0.1269, p = 0.000), enhancing employability skills by improving tutor subject matter mastery and delivering skills and work-integrated learning. It was recommended to strengthen tutors’ capacity in delivering the CBET curriculum, enhance resources and facilities, and intensify workplace-related learning

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