AN INVESTIATION OF STRATEGIES TOWARDS IMPROVING INFORMAL APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING PROGRAMME IN WOODWORK TRADES IN NIGER STATE

Abstract

This study was designed at improving informal apprenticeship training programme in woodwork trades. A survey designed was adopted, the respondents of the study consisted of 120 masters craftsmen and 58 apprentices. The total population was 178. A structured questionnaire was pilot tested on 80 respondents who are not part of the population for the study, after being subjected to face validation by four experts. The reliability coefficient of the instrument was yielded tobe 0.86 using cronbach Alpha. Three research questions and 2 hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance guided the study. The study revealed among others that the training programme is not back-up with well integrated element of theoretical knowledge about the field concerned, lack of adequate training in facility and non-accreditation of the programme in order to maintain standards. Based on theses findings, the study recommended among others that, Seminars, workshop and evening part-time programme should be organized for mastercraftsmen and the programme should accredited. Labour and productivity ministry should solicit for funds/materials from international organizations, government agencies and philanthropist for the training of apprentices.