Abstract:

Graduates of Saudi technical education and vocational training face several problems (i.e., finding the right job, engaging in the labor market). There are, also, continuing labor market complaints of the quality, verses the quantity, of technical education and vocational training outputs. In spite of the easy reference to many causes to this problem, the actual reasons that led to such an imbalance, in the outputs, are not clear enough. Therefore, the need for this study "How Convenient are the Outputs of Technical Education and Vocational Training to the Developmental Needs of the Saudi Workforce?" has been arisen.
The community of this survey study consists of graduates of technical education and vocational training institutions (both sexes) during five years (2005 - 2010). Graduates are located in the three main provinces “Central Provenience, Mekkah (Western) province and Eastern province”. Graduates from various technical education and vocational training institutions, in more than (15) cities, located in the three provinces have been surveyed. Out of 500 questionnaires distributed, 384 were valid for the study’s analysis (response rate: 77%).

The study results indicate that technical education & vocational Training outputs are weak and unable to meet labor market needs. Education & training institutions are unable to adapt to the surrounding workforce environment (43% of the study sample graduates are unemployed). 65% of the study sample works in a job that has no direct relation to its field of study. 70% of the study sample prefer to work in office administrative jobs (i.e., accounting, sales, and services) and don’t like hands on jobs. Low salary, the availability of expat workforce (43.5% expat workforce to 41% of national workforce), long-term working hours and high costs of living are the main challenges facing technical education & vocational training graduates. Although, technical education and vocational training institutions accommodate (15 – 20%) of high school graduates, the annual dropout rate is very high in those institutions (40 – 50%).

Improper search for a job, community discouragement to join technical & vocational education and distance job location to resident are some of the problems the graduate faces. Participants indicate that personal skills are more important than scientific, educational and social status.
The study recommendations stress the importance of a comprehensive evaluation of Saudi technical education and vocational training. This thorough evaluation should include but not limited to the following aspects: Strategic planning, legislation, social, educational and economical aspect. We should double check all national technical education and workforce legislation. National specifications of technical education and vocational training outputs should be prepared, as well.
Technical education & vocational training should be considered an integrated part of a National Comprehensive Educational System. One of the main technical education and vocational training problems is not appending it to the early stages of education (elementary & intermediate).

Social and cultural values that look down upon technical education & vocational training should be changed. The role of institutions of press, media, as well as educational institutions, is still not sufficient to form up positive community’s vision about technical education & vocational training.

Keywords:

Vocational training, outputs, technical education, Saudi Arabia, workforce, graduates.