S.B. ABUSOMWAN

This study explores how automation is transforming workforce skills in the manufacturing industries of Edo State. In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, automation technologies such as robotics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning are not only streamlining production processes but also reshaping the skills required for modern jobs. By surveying workers, supervisors, and managers in key manufacturing hubs across Edo State, the research investigates the extent to which automation increases the demand for technical expertise and alters traditional labor roles. The findings reveal that while automation boosts productivity and opens up new job opportunities, many workers face challenges adapting due to limited training and resources. This study emphasizes the need for continuous learning and strategic collaboration among industries, educational institutions, and government bodies to bridge the skills gap. Ultimately, the research provides practical recommendations aimed at ensuring that the benefits of automation lead to economic growth and enhanced employability rather than job displacement. The insights from this study contribute to policy discussions and offer a roadmap for creating a more skilled, adaptable workforce in Edo State.

Advanced technical abilities have become more necessary in industries like engineering, healthcare, and information technology, yet conventional teaching approaches frequently lack real-world, hands-on experience. A revolutionary method that enables students to practice skills in a safe and regulated setting is simulation-based learning (SBL). Comparing SBL to conventional approaches, this study examines how well it improves technical skills with an emphasis on skill acquisition, retention, and real-world application. The study tackles issues including exorbitant expenses, the requirement for teacher preparation, and the challenge of producing lifelike simulations. The goal of the project is to create best practices for SBL programs by analyzing student involvement, evaluating learning outcomes, and identifying essential competencies. Additionally, it looks into how SBL helps close the gap between theory and practice, especially in domains with high stakes. The study explores theories about learner satisfaction, retention, and skill gain through comparison analysis. The results emphasize SBL's potential to enhance technical education, lower training costs, and create scalable, easily accessible solutions, with the goal of educating educators and policymakers. The significance of SBL in training a competent workforce for a quickly changing technological environment is highlighted by this study.

This study investigated the problems militating against the effective teaching and learning of Basic Technology in selected Junior Secondary Schools in Egor Local Government Area of Edo state. The purpose of carrying out this study includes to determine the factors
responsible for poor performance of students in Basic Technology, to assess the condition of services of technical teachers, to address the need for student's guidance and counseling in school, to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of basic technology teachers and to find out strategies that can be used to minimize the problems encountered in teaching and learning of basic
technology in junior secondary schools. The methodology employed for the study is the descriptive survey research design and the population of the study was made of selected junior secondary schools’ students in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State. The instrument used for the collection of data was the questionnaire. The data were analyzed with simple percentage method. The findings of the study revealed that the altitudes of teachers and students, the lack of materials, poor workshop and inadequate workshop equipment’s has been a major effect on effective teaching and learning of basic technology in Junior Secondary Schools. The emendation was drawn base on the findings of the research