EMPLOYERS PERCEPTION OF COMPUTER-BASED COMPETENCIES REQUIRED OF TECHNICAL COLLEGE GRADUATES FOR EMPLOYMENT IN RIVERS STATE

Abstract

The study ascertained the perception of employers on the computer-based
competencies required of technical college graduates for employment in Rivers State.
Four research questions guided the study and four hypotheses were tested at 0.05
level of significance. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study.
The population for the study comprised all 440 employers of technical college
graduates in public and private establishments in 23 Local Government Areas of
Rivers State. Proportionate stratified random sampling technique was used in
drawing137employers (public: 42, private: 95) in 14 Local Government Areas. The
instrument for data collection was a four point rating scale structured questionnaire
developed by the researcher and validated by experts. Through the use of Cronbach
Alpha method, the instrument was found to an overall reliability coefficient of 0.81.
Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions and
determine the closeness of the respondents’ view. While the hypotheses were tested
using z-test. The study showed that employers were of the view that word-processing,
spreadsheet, computer aided design and networking competencies are required of
technical college graduates for employment. The study revealed that there was no
significant difference in the mean perception of employers on word-processing,
computer Aided design and networking competencies required from technical college
graduates for employment; while there was significant difference in the mean
perception of employers on spread sheet competency required from technical college
graduates for employment. The study recommended among others, that State
governments and College heads should provide and maintain adequate computer
facilities in technical colleges to equip the students with relevant competencies for
work performance.