Abstract
This study examined Developing Skilled Workforce through Metalwork Technology Education Programme in Tertiary Institutions for the Contemporary Society in Rivers State. Two objectives and research questions were raised, while two hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. A descriptive survey design guided the study. The population of the study was 48 lecturers and 26 technologists in Metalwork/Mechanical Technology Education from the three tertiary institutions in Rivers State that offer Metalwork Technology Education programme. The entire population was sampled. The researchers elicited data for the study using questionnaires. The instrument was validated by two lecturers in the department of Mechanical Technology Education at Niger Delta University, who were not part of the respondents. The reliability coefficient achieved using Cronbach Alpha Reliability Coefficient was 0.84. Mean was used to answer the research questions, while standard deviation was used to determine the homogeneity in the responses. Z- test was used to test the hypotheses at 0.5 level of significance. The study found, among others, that Metalwork Technology Education workshops equipment needed for the development of skilled workforce in tertiary institutions for the contemporary society includes, sensitive drilling machines, metal lathe, shaper, milling machine, arc welding machine, gas acetylene welding equipment etc. It also found that milling operation, drilling, turning, knurling etc, are machining skills required from students to become skillful in contemporary society in Rivers State. It was recommended that Metalwork Technology Education workshops should be equipped with modern machine, and lecturers and technologists should be trained to enable them obtain relevant and modern competences required to produce skilled graduates through Metalwork programmes for the contemporary society in Rivers State.
References
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