Evaluating the efficacy of competence-based training on trainee's conceptual understanding, skill development, and market-driven opportunities at Nyamirama Technical Secondary School

Abstract This study evaluates the effectiveness of Competence-Based Training in fostering conceptual understanding, skill acquisition, and market opportunities for trainees at Nyamirama Technical Secondary School, Rwanda. A total of 171 out of 188 trainees from different trades (Level 1 masonry, Level 5 Building Construction, Level 5 Manufacturing Technology, Level 5 Plumbing Technology, Level 5 Wood Technology, Level 5 Electricity Technology, and Level 5 Fashion Design) participated in a pre-post quasi-experimental design, and five trainees in each trade were used for the interview. The study adopts a pre-post single-group quasi-experimental design supplemented with qualitative interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed utilizing both Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 21.0 to compute descriptive and inferential statistics, respectively, whilst qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis through MAXQDA. Quantitative findings revealed a highly statistically significant (p < 0.001) difference in post-test scores throughout all trades, affirming CBT’s effectiveness in enhancing conceptual understanding and technical competencies. The qualitative results point out three main themes: (1) Technical skill application, (2) Creativity and Innovation, and Problem-Solving, (3) Community effect. Trainees showed the competence to transform theoretical acquired knowledge into a project with tangible community benefits, including a water distribution device, an Automatic traffic light, and a flow mill machine. However, difficulties were observed, such as misconceptions associated with software tools, and understanding gaps in both Fashion Design and Manufacturing Technology. The overall findings indicate that CBT enhances problem-solving, employability, and community development. The results recommend strengthening ICT incorporation, fostering trainer competence, and promoting industry linkages to optimize the reformative capacity of CBT in Technical and Vocational Education and Training.