The Relevance of Technical Vocational Education and Training Skills in Meeting the Market Demand in Eswatini

Abstract

There are several types of technical vocational education and training (TVET) skills offered to offenders who are incarcerated in correctional services worldwide, Eswatini included. The paper presents the findings about the relevance of TVET skills offered to offenders in meeting the demand of the market in Eswatini. The research questions were: What type of vocational skills have ex-offenders used after their release from custody? How have ex-offenders used the acquired vocational skills after release from custody? Based on the interpretive paradigm using qualitative approach, individual interviews were conducted with four facilitators and 12 ex-offenders who were purposively chosen. The data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis and ethics were considered. The findings revealed that the Correctional Services provides various TVET skills to offenders such as: building construction, leather crafting, auto electrical. It was established that the criteria to select the offenders to various trades was based on offenders’ past experiences, their personal interests and level of education. Ex-offenders further reported that they used the TVET skills to get piece jobs, secure employment while others said they did not use the skills. Recommendations made are to: hold regular awareness campaigns about re-integration of ex-offenders to their communities and the establishment of partnerships with private sectors where ex-offenders could easily be employed after their release.