Perception of JHS students and parents about technical and vocational education in Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana

Despite the numerous benefits of technical vocational education and training (TVET), most students and parents still prefer the traditional academic education. This study investigated the views of students and parents about TVET in Cape Coast metropolis of Ghana. The study employed cross-sectional descriptive quantitative survey approach. A total of 395 questionnaire forms were recovered (out of 570), making a return rate of 69 %. Of these, 242 were administered to students (132 from public schools and 110 from private schools) and 153 were administered to parents. The respondents were selected through stratified random sampling technique. The data were analysed using percentages, mean and standard deviation as well as t-test of independent samples. The results of this study revealed divergent views: findings indicated that the JHS students’ response generally indicated negative perception towards TVET, while their parents’ response generally indicated positive perception of TVET. The study finally offered some recommendations that can enhance the outlook of TVET programmes in the minds of younger people and parents.