'Don�t Underestimate Technical, Vocational Education�

Dr Isaac Kwasi Asomah, chairman of the Sunyani Polytechnic Council, has called on parents not to look down upon technical, vocational education. Addressing the institute�s alumni in Sunyani, Dr Asomah said Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) has great job opportunities and therefore encouraged parents to fully support children who have passion to pursue technical education. He was speaking on the theme, �Technology and Entrepreneurial Development for Economic Growth, the role of the Polytechnic Graduate� at the inauguration of the Sunyani Polytechnic Alumni. He said countries all over the world are positioning themselves to maximise opportunities being offered by globalised economy by moving away from subsistence economy to a technology-based one. He noted that the country has not been able to tap the entrepreneurial capacities of Ghanaians, especially graduates from the polytechnics and other Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, as has done in Asia, America and Europe. He also told the alumni to show employers that they have something to contribute. �Some employers complain that TVET graduates behave as though they have not received any training and have to be supervised all the time; this attitude should change,� he said. Dr Asomah noted that efforts at resolving funding difficulties faced by polytechnic graduates who want to be self-employed have not been encouraging. �The issue of credit as a start-up capital for graduates is important to enhance self-employment opportunities, which is key aim of the existing TVET system. The government could therefore consider integrating skills development with credit schemes for micro and small enterprises,� he added.