An Investigating Skills Development and Improving Employability: A Case Study of Businesses and Engineering Skills Training (BEST) Centers in Yobe State, Nigeria

Abstract

This research examines the impact and effectiveness of Business and Engineering Skills Training (BEST) Centers on skills development and employability enhancement in Yobe State, Nigeria. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews to gather comprehensive data from trainees, instructors, administrators, and community members. Findings reveal that BEST Centers have made significant contributions to addressing youth unemployment in the region by providing relevant vocational and technical training. However, the centers face substantial challenges including inadequate funding, insufficient modern equipment, and variable training quality. The research identified that trainees who received comprehensive training coupled with entrepreneurship education and starter packs demonstrated higher employment rates and successful business establishment. Recommendations include increased government funding, refresher training for instructors, public-private partnerships, and expanded entrepreneurship components. This study contributes to the broader discourse on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a strategic approach for youth empowerment in post-insurgency environments, providing valuable insights for policymakers and educational administrators seeking to enhance the effectiveness of skills development initiatives in Northeast Nigeria.

This research examines the impact and effectiveness of Business and Engineering Skills Training (BEST) Centers on skills development and employability enhancement in Yobe State, Nigeria. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews to gather comprehensive data from trainees, instructors, administrators, and community members. Findings reveal that BEST Centers have made significant contributions to addressing youth unemployment in the region by providing relevant vocational and technical training. However, the centers face substantial challenges including inadequate funding, insufficient modern equipment, and variable training quality. The research identified that trainees who received comprehensive training coupled with entrepreneurship education and starter packs demonstrated higher employment rates and successful business establishment. Recommendations include increased government funding, refresher training for instructors, public-private partnerships, and expanded entrepreneurship components. This study contributes to the broader discourse on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a strategic approach for youth empowerment in post-insurgency environments, providing valuable insights for policymakers and educational administrators seeking to enhance the effectiveness of skills development initiatives in Northeast Nigeria.