Possibility Of Introducing A Practical In The Textile industry For University Home Economics Students

Abstract

This study is concerned with the implementation of industrial experience in Technical Education programmes so as to enable students to acquire more practical skills. A study of textile establishments in Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, Mutare, Chegutu, Kadoma and Chitungwiza was conducted. Questionnaires and interviews were used for data collection. The study was undertaken under the assumption that if students went for industrial attachment, they would acquire skills that would help them prepare their secondary school pupils for industrial careers and self-employment. The study revealed the following points of interest: e 1. All textile establishments involved in the study were willing to help with the training of students in one way or another. • 2. All Home Economics students involved were willing to go for industrial training as they believed that it would provide them with skills difficult to acquire in the classroom and would be able to teach more effectively at any school on college level.3. Both the students and those in the industries suggested a minimum of five to six weeks of practicals a year for students to acquire sufficient practical skills. Assuming that the above findings are accurate, a strong case can be made that favours the implementation of industrial attachment. It is strongly recommended that the department of Technical Education and other educators should establish some dialogue with the industries so that those in the industries can contribute more to education by suggesting areas for further training. If areas for training are suggested by those in industries, graduates produced will have skills relevant to industries, thus increasing their chances of being employed