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This study aims to measure the significance of non-technical skills for integrating into metalwork technology curriculum of technical colleges in Nigeria. The data collected through questionnaire survey consisted of 283 responses. The findings revealed that the mean values for all identified components of non-technical skills indicated their importance and suitability for integration into the curriculum. The study developed models using structural equation modelling (SEM) technique. The results from SEM indicated that the correlation matrix, factor loadings, composite reliability, and average variance extracted for the measurement and structural models were all confirmed fit and suitable. The study also revealed that the relationship among the components that made up of the structural model were statistically significant. Communication skills was ranked the highest among the eight components that were considered important while problem-solving skills were ranked the lowest. In order to achieve the integration, suggestions are made relating to policy structure for the development of non-technical skills in Nigeria technical colleges.

This study centered on the views of the professionals about the non-technical skills considered crucial as recruitment prerequisite among graduates of metalwork technology from technical and vocational institutions in Nigeria. It will also examine the possibility of integrating these skills into the curriculum. The study made use of the survey research design. One research question guided the study. The population for the study comprised metalwork technology professionals in Ogun State, Southwestern Nigeria. A 36-item questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection. The instrument was validated by experts from the University of Lagos (UNILAG). The reliability of the instrument was determined using Cronbach Alpha and the reliability index which stood at 0.79. The data collected were analysed using mean statistic and standard deviation. The study revealed that professionals placed great importance on communication skills, problem-solving skills, teamwork skills and self-management qualities among others, as important recruitment prerequisite among graduates of metalwork technology from technical and vocational institutions in Nigeria. The study concludes with the suggestions that non-technical skills should be integrated into the curriculum particularly in the field of metalwork technology in technical colleges. Students should be familiar with the employers' recruitment criteria while they are still in schools in order to equip them with the necessary skills needed for employment.