APPRENTICESHIP AND THE GROWTH OF SMALL-SCALE INDUSTRIES IN SOUTH EASTERN NIGERIA
This study assessed the cause-effect relationship between apprenticeship and the growth of small-scale industries in South Eastern Nigeria. The specific objectives were to determine the extent to which traditional, modern, and vocational-based apprenticeship models (systems) have enhanced the growth of small-scale enterprises in selected markets in the region. The population of the study comprised of business owners, apprentices, and mentors operating in Ariria International Market in Aba, Abia State; Main Market, Onitsha, Anambra State; and Spare Parts market in Nnewi, Anambra State. The population of the study was purposively put at 250 while the sample size was 152. Questionnaire was the major research instrument used and data so collected were transformed and analyzed using percentage, descriptive, and Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression analyses. Basically, results revealed that traditional, modern, and vocational-based apprenticeship models have positive and significant effects on the growth of small-scale enterprises in the region. The study therefore concluded that there is a positive and significant cause-effect relationship between apprenticeship and the growth of small-scale industries in South Eastern Nigeria. On this backdrop, the study recommended that state governments in the region and SMEDAN (Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria) should partner with trade associations to formalize the traditional apprenticeship model (system) by setting minimum training standards, duration, and simple certification for graduates; and there is need for a national policy that will encourage partnerships between small-scale industries, polytechnics, and companies like Innoson, Cutix, and Dangote to run paid apprenticeship programs, and the government can support this with tax incentives for firms that train apprentices and with equivalent grants to training centers.
Keywords: Apprenticeship, Traditional Apprenticeship, Modern Apprenticeship, Vocational Apprenticeship, Small-Scale Industries, Small-Scale Enterprises, South Eastern Nigeria.
