Regulations Governing Student Internship Programme in Ghana: A Sequential Explanatory Multi-Stakeholder Approach
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26437/ajar.31.10.2022.09Abstract
Purpose: This paper seeks to ascertain the regulations governing students’ internship programmes in Selected Technical Universities in Ghana.
Design/Methodology/Approach: The sequential explanatory mixed methods approach was utilised. Two separate structured questionnaires were administered to 481 students and 299 senior members (lecturers and administrators) of six selected technical universities (TUs); whereas members of industry, executives of business associations and government regulatory bodies in the tertiary sector of Ghana’s education system were interviewed, using an interview guide. Data was analysed through descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and Constant Comparative Analysis.
Findings: There was no well-defined enforceable law requiring TUs to secure internship placement for students, although, some regulatory bodies insisted that TUs showed evidence of their ability to secure placements for their students for industrial training before awarding programme accreditation.
Research Limitation/Implication: The study focuses on regulations governing student internship programmes in Ghana. The study concentrated on selected Technical Universities in Ghana.
Practical Implication: The knowledge advanced in this study underscores the need for proper synergy between Technical Universities regarding regulation governing student internship which should be spearheaded by the government of Ghana through the Ministry of Education, Ghana Tertiary Education Commission acting as a facilitator, creating interfaces and providing funding and incentives.
Social Implication: The Government of Ghana can allow companies some tax exemptions or make the environment business-friendly for companies so that they can expand their operation to accept more interns.
Originality/Value: This paper synchronises the perspectives of multiple actors on the regulations governing student internship programmes.
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