Identification of competencies required by auto-electricity/electronics graduates of technical colleges for success in automotive servicing in nigeria

Abstract

The study is on the Identification of Competencies Required By Auto-Electricity/Electronics Graduates of Technical Colleges for Success in Automotive Servicing In Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. Two research questions guided the study. The population of the study is 150 auto-electricians some of who are technical college graduates and who are also registered members of Automobile Electrician Association of Nigeria, Nsukka branch. Due to the manageable size of the population the entire population was used as the sample of the study. The instrument for data collection is the questionnaire. A 99 item questionnaire was developed from literature to obtain data for the study. The instrument was validated by three experts from the faculty of vocational and technical education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The frequency table was used to tally the responses in the different categories of each item. The mean was used to analyze the data collected. Decision Rule: real limit of number was applied in decision making thus: any item that have a mean of 3.50-4.00 will be termed Very highly required, 2.50-3.49 is regarded as Highly required, 1.50-2.49 will be termed Slightly required, 0.50-1.49 will be termed Not required. The findings revealed various competencies required by auto electrician graduates for success in auto motive servicing in accordance with the specific electrical system found in a vehicle, ranging from the starting motor to the computer/mechatronics systems. It was discovered that each competency is highly required for the proper maintenance of automobile with regards to auto electricians.Also, based on the findings of this study, it was recommended that Curriculum of Technical colleges should be reviewed on a regular basis to reflect workplace needs.The learning environment should be a replica of working environment.Within the competency list, Core competency items, which are essential for entry-level students, are required to be taught. Knowledge of these tasks is highly needed to integrate for increasing activity in automotive technology.