Vocational Training Program and Job Placement for Learners with Intellectual Disability in Nakuru County, Kenya

Abstract

This paper examines vocational training and job placement for learners with Intellectual Disabilities (LWID) in Nakuru Municipality, Nakuru County, Kenya. Two special schools with vocational programs were purposively selected. The study sample included two head teachers, six vocational teachers, 14 current learners, 14 current parents, 10 former learners and 10 former parents all from the selected schools. Snowball method was used to sample ten former learners and ten former parents. Questionnaires, interview guides and observation schedules were used to gather data from selected participants. The findings showed that pre-vocational skills were offered to LWID but some skills were given less preference and vocational skills were offered but the technical courses were ignored by learners. Further findings revealed that the majority of teachers and parents of LWID preferred sheltered workshops for job placement. However, demerits of the same were also sighted and lastly transitional programs were available in the institutions although some laxity was noted from parents on administering the same to their children with intellectual disability. This study recommended that more intensified vocational counselling be offered to LWID preferably by trained vocational counsellors and significant persons to play their role in ensuring successful transition of persons with intellectual disabilities (PWID) to the world of work.