Apprenticeship Training and Human Resource Development in Tamale Metropolis: The Case Of Automobile Industry

ABSTRACT

The study looked at Apprenticeship Training and Human Resource Development in the Tamale Metropolis, a case study in the automobile industry. In Ghana apprenticeship training in the informal sector is mostly practical based and the duration of the trade can take from months to years depending on the type of trade. The most common trades are tailoring, blacksmithing, metalwork, carpentry, masonry, and automobile mechanics. Some characteristics in the apprenticeship training in Ghana are the lack of uniformity in training content, duration and certification. These gaps created through these in the automobile industry are what the study addressed in the case of Automobile Engineering in the Tamale Metropolis. Ninety-one apprentices were sampled through Stratified sampling. Quantitative data was collected through the use of questionnaires. Qualitative data interviews were done with key informants and stakeholders of educational institutions, master mechanics and customers. It was revealed through the data that persons below the ages of 10 years were engaged in apprenticeship training. They abandoned their education and went to learn a trade. Most youth within the ages of 15 to 35 years in the study are engaged in the apprenticeship training. The study identified that 18% of apprentices have not had any formal education. The number of years apprentices spend in the training varied from 1 year to13 years. Also it was identified that there is variation in the amount of fees apprentices pay. This ranges from 10 to 180 Ghana cedis. This affects the poor and rural youth who would like to learn the trade but cannot pay the fees and living expenses. The training content is without the basic Mathematics, Science and Engineering Drawing which are important subjects for the automobile course. The study found that there is lack of uniformity in the training content, duration and certification. Every trainer/master uses his own standards to his convenience. The Government needs to empower the Polytechnics, Ghana education service and Ghana Institution of Engineers in the country to draw a training programme for these apprentices.