Download This PaperBarriers of the Recognition of Informal Construction Workers towards Improving Their Skills; The Case of Recognizing Prior Learning (RPL) Programme in Tanzania
Mbunda, U.P., Lello, D.S., and Tesha D.N.G.A.K., (2020); "Barriers of the Recognition of Informal Construction Workers towards Improving Their Skills; The Case of Recognizing Prior Learning (RPL) Programme in Tanzania", in the International Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 09(02):
18 Pages Posted: 14 May 2020
Date Written: January 21, 2019
Abstract
The study aimed at assessing the barriers of recognition of informal construction workers through RPL programme towards skills development; specifically, by identifying the stumbling blocks on recognition of informal construction workers in the rules and procedures of RPL programme; examining barriers towards skills development of informal construction workers to be recognized under the RPL programme, and proposing strategies towards improving the recognition of informal construction workers, through RPL programme. This descriptive research strategy used both qualitative and quantitative approach. Its research design based on random sampling techniques and the questionnaire survey. The targeted population sample included 68 randomly selected informal construction workers, drawn from currently enrolled candidates under the RPL programme, and is subdivided into two occupations by stratified sampling techniques i.e. Masonry/Bricklaying (MB) and Carpentry/Joinery (CJ), out of which 46 (68%), responses were obtained. Based on the ranking of factors with Relative Importance Index (RII), the study revealed the general barriers of recognition of informal construction workers, which included; worker’s perception of wastage of time, unstructured cooperation with private sector, poor knowledge of benefits of RPL certificates, lack of RPL awareness, and lack of adequate VETA centres. It concludes that; the awareness of the RPL programme is not well established; qualification standards (class standards) set, do not match the occupational standards (field standards) acquired by workers; complex process; and minimum age requirement being too high. The study recommends that; general awareness and recognition processes should be improved; information about the portfolio evidence for works which are not specified in the module should be clear, and generated to reduce the time and expenses during the enrolment; knowledge about the benefits of RPL certificates should be provided; VETA should help the workers to find a job through a dual apprenticeship program; have national target for number of informal construction workers to access recognition opportunities; contractors should use informal construction workers with RPL certificates; promotion of knowledge management and sharing; and an increase in VETA centres, especially in rural areas, must be done.
Keywords: Informal Construction Workers, Skills, Recognition, Prior Learning, Programme, Tanzania.
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