ABSTRACT

Purpose: The rapid advancement of emerging technologies has reshaped the global workforce, making it imperative for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions to adapt their curricula. This study explores the necessity of integrating these emerging technologies into electrical technology program within the TVET curriculum to enhance employability and equip learners with future ready skills. Methods: A descriptive survey design was used in the investigation. The survey included 120 participants comprising 25 teaching staff and 95 students from two purposively sampled TVET institutions who enrolled students in the Electrical Electronics Technology program. The entire population was purposively used for the study due to the limited number of student enrolment. A well-structured questionnaire was developed for the study as the instrument on the Integration of Emerging Technologies in Electrical Electronics program. The reliability of the instrument was tested and calculated using the Cronbach’s Alpha Correlation statistical analysis which yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.83, indicating that the instrument was considered reliable. Findings: The findings showed that some emerging technologies such Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), robotics and renewable energy systems are currently missing from the TVET curriculum in Electrical Electronics Technology program. The study further revealed the potential benefits of incorporating these technologies into the TVET curriculum in Ekiti State. Implications for Research and Practice: the study recommends that TVET education should align their curriculum with these emerging technologies so as to better prepare students for evolving labour market, where technical proficiency in these technologies in modern innovations is critical. Further research needs to be done to assess the strategic approaches for effective incorporation of these technologies, to ensure that TVET graduates remain competitive and adaptable in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.