Perceptions towards manufacturing hinder growth
By People Reporter, October 23, 2019By Phyllis Wakiaga
The devaluing of so-called blue-collar jobs is a mentality borne out of a contorted notion of education’s function in the society. One which prioritises examinations and assessment scores over comprehensive learning of diverse disciplines.
The perceptions of boring old machines, dirty greasy overalls and smoke-filled factories have been sustained over time by more than just a rigid education system. The politics of national investments, value placed by corporates on college degrees, prestige bestowed upon white collar jobs, the “mystery” of industry and assumed complexities of its functions and functionality have all greatly contributed to these myths.
The misconceptions about manufacturing have been compounded by society’s tendency towards a false dichotomy that is pegged on gendered occupations and privileged career spaces. These lock out many young people from readily available economic opportunities which are lucrative and accessible. Yet the truth of the matter is, outside of these prejudices lies not only productive jobs for the thousands of graduates per year, but a proven solution for the economic and social advancement for Kenya towards industrialisation.
One argument that continues to propagate the above warped view is that manufacturing is fast becoming obsolete, and that the services sector is taking over its functions. Because of this, emphasis has been laid on the “wow factor” of technologies and innovations presented by the services sector. Subsequently, potential graduates are trained to aspire to jobs in blue-chip companies at the expense of manufacturing jobs, whether or not their abilities and talents match.
But manufacturing is, in reality, not in competition with the services sector but it is its foundation and backbone. The relationship between the two is more than symbiotic because, the former is quite critical to the commercial innovation in the latter. The Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Act was designed to address the job skills issue and ensure an increased and sustained enrolment ratio of 20 per cent by 2030.
However, legislation alone cannot address problems of perception and attitude that have dogged our curriculum and job opportunities for years. Industry needs to step in and demonstrate the worthiness of manufacturing jobs. Proactivity by local companies in adopting mentorship programmes that integrate on-the-job training and lifelong learning will go a long way in reshaping the thinking around manufacturing sector. Some members of Kenya Association of Manufacturers are doing this through the association’s TVET programme in partnership with government and German development agency, GIZ.
Additionally, companies need to be vigorously involved in shaping the future of industry by playing key roles in the planning and design of TVET programmes to include a global perspective of manufacturing trends, in line with our unique needs as a country. This will change the current one-sided narrative, that the only entrepreneurship and innovation worth noting is ICT-related. If we redefine entrepreneurship incorporating it in our TVET curriculum, then, we open up a universe of creativity that can only be positive for our economic future as a country.
Yes, legislation and allocated funding from government will spur the changes in TVET programmes’ ability to deliver quality training, but the onus also falls on industry to ensure that we value these jobs as much white-collar jobs. We should be involved in the development of occupational standards, invest in building the skills that we would like our graduates to possess.
TVETs are the only sure way to secure the future of this country, guaranteeing long term productivity, economic sustainability and inclusive growth.
—The Writer is the CEO of Kenya Association of Manufacturers. ceo@kam.co.ke