INFLUENCE OF VOCATIONAL SKILLS ACQUISITION PROGRAMMES ON THE SOCIOECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF YOUTHS IN ETSAKO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

ABSTRACT

The study was carried out to identify the influence of vocational skills acquisition programmes on the socioeconomic development of youths in Etsako local government area. the primary purpose of this study is the principal purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of Vocational skill acquisition programme on the socioeconomic development of the youths in the Etsako Local Government Area of Edo State To identify the vocational skill acquisition programme available to youths in Etsako Local Government Area.to find out how vocational skill acquisition programme have influenced youth unemployment in Etsako Local Government Area The population of the study consist of one hundred and twenty five (125) youth from the six (6) vocational Skills acquisition centres in the Etsako Local Government Area of Edo State with the following characteristics: youth that have acquired one particular or another, using the acquired skills, established a business due to the skill acquired, willing to participate in the research. Simple random technique was used to select youth that participated in this study. This technique was to give the respondents equal chance of being selected.The sample size selected for this study was one hundred and twenty five (125) youth who have acquired a skill and currently using that skill to earn a living for his/herself in Etsako Local Government Area. The researcher will adopt purposive sampling to select the youth suitable for this study. The reason for adopting purposive sampling technique for this The following recommendation were made, There should be active collaboration between vocational training institutions, government agencies, and local industries to ensure that the skills being taught are relevant and in demand. This partnership can facilitate internships, apprenticeships, and job placement opportunities, bridging the gap between skill acquisition and meaningful employment.There should be increased access to financial support and resources for aspiring entrepreneurs emerging from vocational training programs. This could involve the establishment of microfinance schemes, grants, or low-interest loans tailored to help youths start or expand their businesses, thereby fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth in the community.