The vocationalization policy in Zambias secondary education sector: A critical analysis

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to critically examine the feasibility and implementation of the recently introduced vocational career pathway in Zambia’s secondary education system. The study involved a review of literature from both Zambia and other countries that have vocationalized their secondary education systems. The analysis has shown that the implementation of the vocational track in Zambia’s secondary schools is likely to be difficult. While this reform is meant to equip students with practical economic skills, evidence from the surveyed literature does not build a strong case for its implementation —partly due to its huge cost. The study ends by arguing for a possible reversal of the policy until such a time when the country has adequate resources to implement it. It further urges the government to consider pursuing a partial-vocationalization policy, whereby a few vocational subjects are taught within the existing academic track and made compulsory to all students.    Key words: Secondary education, vocationalization policy, vocational skills, youth unemployment.