Abstract:
This study examined the quality of technical and vocational education and training service
delivery practices at polytechnic colleges in the Amhara Regional State, as perceived by
students. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design (QUAN→qual) was employed.
Quantitatively, 896 randomly selected students completed a modified SERVPERF survey
measuring the five SQ dimensions: tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and
empathy. Qualitatively, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 purposively selected
key informants and analyzed thematically. Descriptive statistics, one-sample t-tests, and one-way
ANOVA were applied for quantitative analysis. Results revealed that the overall mean SQ score
(M = 2.84, SD = 0.65) was significantly below the acceptable threshold (t (895) = -7.31, p <
.001, d = 0.23), with tangibility recording the lowest mean score (M = 2.76, SD = 0.77, t (895)
= -9.25, p < .001, d = 0.29). A significant gender difference emerged in responsiveness, with
female students reporting higher perceptions (M = 3.03) than their male counterparts (M =
2.80, t (894) = -4.25, p < .05, d = 0.28). Perceived SQ also varied significantly across
occupational fields, with ICT and garment students reporting more favorable perceptions, and
across colleges (F = 6.97, p < .05, η² = 0.03), with students from Debre Markos, Burie, and
Debre Birhan colleges reporting relatively higher perceptions. Qualitative findings corroborated
these results, revealing critical inadequacies in physical facilities, tools, and equipment that
hindered practical training. The study concludes that the quality of TVET service delivery
practices is insufficient and varies considerably across fields and institutions. These findings
urge policymakers and providers to prioritize investments in modern machinery, tools, and
equipment, and planned maintenance to improve practical training infrastructure and overall
service delivery