Assessment of the Effectiveness of the Fashion Design Programme of Accra Polytechnic from 1995 to 2010

Abstract

The competence of an employee in any dynamic workforce is the ability to efficiently perform industry-related tasks, function professionally in a range of roles and situations and to have the capacity for continuous learning, development and change. The researchers attempted to assess the competence/skills acquired by students in fashion designing in relation to the performance expectations of the fashion industry.  It was established that, the industry needs students who are practically inclined and as such students needed more practical lessons that is, theory and practice should go hand in hand to contribute to the effectiveness of the Fashion Design programme. Again, freehand cutting should be incorporated in the curriculum to equip students for specific skills on the job. It was also revealed that competences/skills do not come by easily unless it is taught or experienced personally.

In the light of this, the study recommended that:

• Lecturers should link practice with theory and provide sufficient Industrial Attachment.

• Students must learn freehand cutting in addition to Flat Patternmaking.
• Teaching assistants with practical skills should assist students with their practical work.

Keywords: Competence, Freehand cutting, Flat pattern making.