Employer’s Perspective on Dual VET Apprenticeship Program: Study of Morang and Sunsari Industrial Corridor

Abstract

The study explores the perceptions and experiences of employers regarding the implementation of the Dual Vocational Education and Training (VET) Apprenticeship program in Nepal. Dual VET Programs integrate classroom learning with workplace training to align vocational education with industry needs. The study attempts to assess employers’ perception of implementation, future perspectives, and challenges of the dual VET apprenticeship program, focusing on the Sunsari and Morang industrial corridor. Similarly, by using qualitative research and in-depth interviews with employers from various industries, the study has tried to evaluate the benefits, future perspectives and challenges of Dual VET programs. Employers identified the Dual VET programs as having benefits of generating employment opportunities, advancing industrial growth, reducing human resources costs, enhancing workforce skills, and achieving financial savings through practical and efficient training methods as well as mutual benefits of Employer and apprentices. On the other hand, Employers view the Dual VET program as a pathway to skill development and increasing employability. Its potential to align workforce capabilities with industry demands highlights its promising role in addressing future labor market needs. Additionally, the Dual VET contributes significantly to economic and industrial growth by equipping individuals with theoretical and practical competencies. Employers recognized that while Dual VET programs offer significant benefits and hold an optimistic future, several challenges hinder their effectiveness. The Key challenges include apprentices' lack of experience and the Industrial skill gap, insufficient access to modern industrial equipment and safety concerns, Low levels of apprentice engagement and motivation towards the Dual VET and the misalignment of schedules between industries and training institutions. By comparing these findings with global research, the study points out the need for stronger collaboration between educational institutions and industries to optimize the apprenticeship model. This research contributes valuable insights to the vocational education landscape in Nepal, highlighting the potential of the Dual VET Apprenticeship program to address local labor shortages and drive economic growth, while also identifying areas for improvement in employer engagement and program implementation.