The study investigated the development status of graduates of Higher National Diploma (HND) Commercial Art Programme (Graphic Design option) of the Takoradi Technical University (TTU) in Ghana. It examined 1,013 academic transcripts of the past students to ascertain the career pathways of the graduates. The results revealed that most HND graduates enrol in various professional fields to further their studies. The study therefore concludes that most students see the HND Commercial Art Programme (Graphic Design option) as a stepping stone to other professions. Hence the study recommends a replacement of the old curriculum with a Competency-Based Training module which would ensure that practical approach to teaching and learning processes are adopted to make trainees work ready for the world of work.
PurposeGraduate unemployment is widely reported not only in Ghana but also across the globe. The purpose of this study is to examine the relevance of the HND Commercial Art Programme, Graphic Design (CAPGD) option, to the graphic art industry and to determine the work readiness of graduates of HND CAPGD at the world of work.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative, evaluative case study research design was adopted to examine the perspectives of stakeholders of CAPGD. It was a multiple case study, which involved faculty members, graduates and industry-based supervisors. The study was conducted using in-depth semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions to obtain in-depth interpretations and conclusions that reflected the perceptions of the stakeholders.FindingsThe qualitative results indicate that the existing curriculum, based on the old polytechnic educational system, does not provide adequate practical approach to teaching and learning processes. Hence the majority of graduates lack competencies to meet industry's expectations.Research limitations/implicationsThe key limitation is lack of database on the HND Graphic Design graduates at Takoradi Technical University. This affected the data collection process as the HND Graphic Design graduate participants were not easily accessible, and, as such, much effort and risk were required to contact them. Considering the implication for education policy, the findings propose stakeholders' collaboration to ensure cross fertilization of ideas (Nwajiuba et al., 2020). Hence, a compilation of database could engender further study in this area and thus form the bases of a mixed method approach resulting in in-depth analysis for fresh insights into the study.Originality/valueThe findings provide unique insights into work readiness of Commercial Art graduates, specifically in Ghana, as it seeks to bridge a gap in literature.
The nexus between academia and the world of work determines the work readiness of graduates. The purpose of this study is to explore the linkage between the Higher National Diploma (HND) graphic design programme (GDP) and the graphic arts industry. The study utilized qualitative evaluative case studies to gather data from a face-to-face interview and focus group discussions for an in-depth understanding of the phenomenon. Both the purposive and snowball sampling methods were used to gather 30 respondents from faculty members, graduates, and industry-based supervisors of the HND GDP in Accra, Tema, Winneba, Takoradi, and Kumasi. The result of the analysis indicates that the experiences gained by HND GDG are dependent on Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET), the availability of experienced industrial trainers and lecturers for mentorship, modern facilities, teaching, and learning materials such as a cohesive curriculum. The study supports proper collaboration among key stakeholders in the HND GDP for cross-fertilization of ideas, open-mindedness, and receptivity. Therefore, developing trends is the most effective way to improve pedagogic processes.
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