Policy brief: Upgrading informal apprenticeship systems

Formal training system, in most of countries in Southern and Eastern Africa, is only the tip of an ice-berg, as most of young women and men acquire skills through informal apprentices, which is cost effective, easily accessible, have low entry barriers and results in better outcomes in terms of employment. However, informal apprenticeships have several shortcomings as well, which can lead to exploitation of young women and men. Considering the importance of informal apprenticeships for promoting youth employment, the ILO initiated a programme for upgrading informal apprenticeships. In Southern and Eastern Africa, studies were undertaken in Tanzania, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Zambia and a pilot project was implemented in Tanzania. Lessons learnt from these studies and the pilot project led to refining strategies for informal apprenticeships, which were implemented in Zimbabwe on a larger scale. The programme is highly successful and the governments of Zimbabwe and Tanzania are mainstreaming this approach as a national programme for skills development and youth employment. This paper presents findings of the studies and lessons learnt from the initiatives to upgrade informal apprenticeships.

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2011

World Bank, Africa Region, Human …, 2001

Journal of Education and Practice, 2014

Ghana’s informal apprenticeship system has been an important part of its informal economy, particularly for its role as a complimentary means of skills transfer and the development of the nation’s human capital required for the overall national development. In spite of its role, little attention has been paid to this sector over the years. This study interrogates and documents the processes, institutional dynamics and challenges that confront the informal apprenticeship system of Ghana a means of skills acquisition and transfer in the wake of the ever changing social and economic conditions in Ghana. The study adopted both exploratory and descriptive approaches. Using quota sampling technique, 200 questionnaires were distributed among four broad trades namely; wood workers; auto mechanics; textile and apparel; and beauticians and hair dressers. This was complimented by key informant interviews and focus group discussions. The study revealed that the system provides an alternative pa...

2009

Analyses the practices, institutions and the outcomes of informal apprenticeship in Tanzania. A survey was conducted in Mtwara and Lindi (Southern Tanzania), interviewing 114 MCs, 378 apprentices and 140 skilled workers in car mechanics, electricity services, tailors, carpentry, plumbers, local art, and food processing. In addition, qualitative interviews in 20 workshops generated further insights into informal rules and practices.

European Scientific Journal, 2014

This paper focused on the nature and financing of the informal apprenticeship scheme in Port Harcourt Metropolis. A total of 1080 respondents (360 masters craftsmen/women and 720 apprentice) were randomly drawn from 18 different trades in Port Harcourt City and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas of Rivers State. A questionnaire tagged 'Assessment of the Management of the Informal Apprenticeship Scheme (AMIAS)' was used for the collection of data it consisted of 19 items and contained five sections. The reliability of the instrument was determined using the test retest method, with Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient reliability of 0.65. The data gathered were used to answer four research questions and three hypotheses using frequency, percentages, mean, standard deviation and z-test statistical tools at 0.05 level of significance. The study revealed that majority of master craftsmen/women and apprentices have secondary school certificates, also the gender distribution existing amongst participants of the scheme consisted of more males than females. The study also revealed that the majority of participants in the scheme usually obtain funds through loans, proceeds from the business and fee payments by apprentices. Some of the most intense challenges facing the scheme included funding, inadequate workshop space and absence of stable electricity supply. Based on the findings the researchers recommended the use of curriculum and syllabus that will enable students attend apprenticeship training at trade centers. The provision of stable electricity, grants, loans, credits and incentives such as provision of training equipment should be made available to motivate participants of the scheme.

The text (without appendices) of a comparative study of informal sector apprenticeship in Kenya and Tanzania.