Integrating English Language Instruction Into Vocational Artisan Training: A Framework for Enhanced Professional Competence and Economic Empowerment in Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.46799/ijssr.v5i10.1332Keywords:
English for Specific Purposes (ESP), vocational artisan training, professional competence, economic empowerment, linguistic barriersAbstract
This research seeks to find how the integration of English language instruction into Nigerian vocational Artisan’s training can enhance communicative competence, professional performance, and economic inclusion among Nigerian trades people. The study is guided by the theory of English for Specific Purposes (ESP)and workplace literacy, the study adopted mixed-methods research design sampling63artisans across five trades in Nigeria (carpentry, tailoring, welding, automotive repair, and electrical installation) supported by semi-structured interviews. The study findings shows writing tasks such as preparing invoices or quotations posed significant challenges, suggesting that literacy gaps extend beyond oral communication to written professional documentation. It also reveals that problems related to communication occur frequently in artisans' workplaces, with the highest incidence recorded for misunderstanding client requests (m = 3.31) and inability to interpret safety instructions (M = 3.25). Participants identified the needs for task-based English training in reading technical manuals, writing job quotation, using digital marketing platforms and understanding safety regulations. This study suggests a framework designed to integrate language instruction with workplace demands. A Trade-Specific English Curriculum (TSEC). The study concludes that language integration within vocational programs is undeniably pedagogical and economically imperative.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Resky Nuralisa Gunaan, Joy Aladi Obera, Gowon Omachonu Clement, Timothy Ojochegbe Ameh, Nelson Oyibo
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