Utilisation of ‘IEPA’ graduates in sectors of the Ghanaian economy: insights from a nation-wide tracer study

Abstract

This article reports on a nation-wide tracer study conducted by the Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (IEPA), which examined how her graduates were utilised by employers in sectors of the Ghanaian economy. Considering the nature of the research context and the dearth of information regarding placement and utilisation of IEPA graduates in the labour market, the concurrent mixed methods design was employed, whereby qualitative data in the form of insights from semi-structured open-ended interviews with 16 employers was elicited for analysis. This was complemented by quantitative data derived from self-administered questionnaires distributed to 407 IEPA graduates employees on the purpose of the study. The data from these two sources were analysed using a thematic approach and descriptive statistics, respectively, to allow for key lessons, observations and conclusions to be drawn to the context of the study. The findings show that IEPA graduates were engaged in leadership, management, administrative and planning roles/tasks in their respective posts. The findings suggest, however, that although IEPA graduates performed these roles frequently, they were utilised in other ‘supplementary tasks/roles’ different from those they had received professional training and/or qualifications to perform. Against the backdrop of the findings, the article concludes that IEPA needs to revise its curricula and modes of training and course delivery to ensure that she churns out graduates who meet the 21st century demands and aspirations of her clientele.