STRATEGIES FOR IMPROVING STUDENTS PRACTICAL SKILLS IN AUTOMOBILE TECHNOLOGY IN TECHNICAL COLLEGE IN KADUNA STATE

This study examines effective strategies for improving students’ practical skills in automobile technology in technical colleges in Kaduna State. The need for this study arises from the observed decline in students’ hands-on competence and the growing gap between theoretical knowledge and practical performance in automobile workshops. The study adopts a descriptive survey design to identify strategies that can enhance practical skill acquisition. Data were gathered from automobile technology teachers, workshop instructors, and students across selected technical colleges in Kaduna State. The findings reveal that factors such as inadequate training facilities, insufficient instructional materials, and low teacher competence hinder effective skill development. To address these challenges, the study proposes strategies including regular in-service training for teachers, provision of modern workshop tools and equipment, partnership with automobile industries for industrial exposure, adoption of competency-based training approaches, and effective supervision during practical sessions. The study concludes that implementing these strategies would significantly improve students’ practical proficiency, enhance employability, and promote the overall quality of automobile technology education in technical colleges in Kaduna State. Findings reveal that inadequate workshop facilities, obsolete equipment, limited industry collaboration, insufficient instructional materials, and lack of continuous professional development for teachers significantly hinder effective skill acquisition. To address these gaps, the study proposes strategies such as regular retraining of teachers and instructors, curriculum review to reflect industry trends, integration of competency-based education and training (CBET), adequate funding and provision of modern tools, and partnership with automobile industries for students’ industrial attachment. The study further emphasizes the importance of effective supervision and evaluation during practical sessions to ensure skill mastery and performance improvement. The study concludes that implementing these strategies would bridge the gap between theory and practice, enhance students’ technical competence, and improve the employability of graduates from technical colleges in Kaduna State. It recommends collaborative efforts among government agencies, school administrators, and industry stakeholders to ensure sustainable skill development in automobile technology education.