TRAINING NEEDS ASSESSMENT: A STRATEGY FOR DEVELOPING AN EFFECTIVE TRAINING MANUAL FOR MASTER CRAFT PERSONS IN THE VOLTA REGION OF GHANA

Abstract

This study was informed by the growing demand for on-site needs assessment and gap analysis that reflect the actual needs of MCPs, rather than relying on the perceived skills gap approach. The study therefore analyses the training needs assessment as a strategy for developing an effective training manual for master craft persons (MCPs) in the Volta Region of Ghana. Qualitative and quantitative research methods were employed to conduct the needs assessment. Focus group discussions were initially held with selected MCPs between 25^th and 28^th March 2022 to identify their actual needs. This was followed by the designed and administration of a tailor-made questionnaire to gather further information on the training needs of selected MCPs. There were a number of findings from the needs assessment and gap analysis. First, MCPs identified lack of business management and leadership skills sets as their key training needs. Secondly, for lack of business management skills, MCPs emphasised gaps in: 1) General business planning, 2) Record keeping, 3) Financial management, 4) Customer relation, and 5) Marketing as vital for business success. Thirdly, for leadership skills, MCPs highlighted lack of skills in: 1) Leading change, 2) Choosing effective followers and delegation of responsibility, 3) Building and managing interpersonal relationships within the group, 4) Showing self-awareness and self-confidence, 5) Motivating people, 6) Gaining consensus of group members, 7) Participative decision making, and 8) Information dissemination and communication as key training gaps. In conclusion, the study corroborates the assertion that, on-site needs assessment is critical in designing effective training needs interventions that reflect the actual needs of MCPs and recommends that it should be prioritised as opposed the perceived skills gap approach.