Training Needs Assessment for Vocational Education Instructors in Rivers State Technical Institutes

This study conducted a training needs assessment for vocational education instructors in technical institutes in Rivers State, South South Nigeria. Training needs assessments are a systematic approach to identifying gaps between current instructor performance and desired competency standards, and their findings guide investment in human capital development in vocational institutions. Using a needs assessment design, 200 instructors from six technical institutes in Port Harcourt, Obio-Akpor, and three other local government areas were surveyed using the Vocational Instructor Training Needs Inventory (VITNI). Supervisory performance appraisal data were also reviewed. Results identified critical training gaps in competency-based assessment, industrial safety instruction, digital tools integration, and updated technical knowledge in oil and gas servicing trades relevant to Rivers State's economic profile. Younger instructors demonstrated greater ICT readiness but lacked depth in trade-specific technical skills, while experienced instructors showed strong practical competency but resistance to new pedagogical approaches. The study recommends a differentiated training programme addressing the distinct needs of novice and veteran instructors, conducted in partnership with the University of Port Harcourt's vocational education faculty. Annual training needs assessments should be institutionalized as a standard management practice. Keywords: training needs assessment, vocational instructors, Rivers State, technical institutes, human capital.