Exploring Factors Affecting the Success of TVET-Industry Partnership: A Case Study of Adama Polytechnic College, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to explore factors affecting the success of TVET-industrypartnerships. A case study design of the qualitative research method was used to achieve this objective. For thestudy, one polytechnic college of Oromia regional state, and two industries were purposively selected. From thesample polytechnic college and industries, a total of 17 sample respondents were selected. Out of 17respondents, 10 respondents were selected using the snowball sampling method, and the rest 7 respondents wereselected using the purposive sampling technique. The qualitative data were collected through an in-depthinterview and document analysis. The data were analyzed using thematic approaches. The findings revealed thatTVET-industry partnerships were found weak. Lack of key stakeholder‟s awareness shortage of improvedtraining equipment and machines in polytechnic colleges, absence of trainee health insurance policy, lack ofincentive mechanisms for private industries, lack of employer industries involvement in designing anddeveloping occupational standards, and preparation of curriculum were some of the impediments of TVETindustry partnership. Based on the findings it was recommended that the Oromia TVET bureau in collaborationwith other relevant concerned regional authorities and TVET colleges, set new strategies for creating strongawareness for industries, companies, and other relevant stakeholders on the purpose and advantages ofimplementing successful TVET-industry partnership. Finally, the Oromia regional government in collaborationwith the TVET bureau needs to create policy-supported incentive strategies such as giving occasional privilegesof duty-free import, tax reduction, and regional government recognition awards based on the level of partnershipcontribution to TVET institutions in promoting TVET-industry partnership.

KEY WORDS: employability skills, industries, and partnership