Perception of Employers on the Competence of Technical College Graduates in Abia State

This study examines employer perceptions of the competence of technical college graduates seeking employment in Abia State, South East Nigeria. The quality of technical education output is ultimately judged in the labour market, making employer feedback an essential measure of educational effectiveness. Despite Nigeria's large technical college network, employer dissatisfaction with graduate quality has been documented across multiple industries. A descriptive survey design is adopted, targeting 120 employers in manufacturing, construction, food processing, and service industries across Aba, Umuahia, and Ohafia local government areas. A structured questionnaire adapted from the Employer Satisfaction Index measures graduate competence across dimensions including technical skill proficiency, work ethic, communication ability, problem-solving capacity, and adaptability to workplace demands. Mean ratings and frequency distributions are used for analysis. Findings are expected to indicate moderate to low employer satisfaction, with particular dissatisfaction regarding graduates practical skills and initiative in the workplace. The study also examines whether satisfaction levels vary by industry sector and type of college attended. Recommendations include mandatory employer feedback surveys for every technical college programme, curriculum review involving employer representatives, and the introduction of work readiness modules covering professional conduct and communication skills. This study provides actionable data for technical college administrators and state vocational education authorities seeking to close the persistent gap between graduate output and employer expectations. Keywords: employer perception, technical college graduates, competence, Abia State, vocational education