CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1   BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY.

Let it be pointed out that the full research report on the topic under discussion would show how apprenticeship system and manpower needs contribute to Nigerian economy.

Again, an in-depth look has been taken to explore and identify whether the topic is research worthy and consequently to meet up with the challenges of time. Once more, the trend of business, economy, politic, technology and other special values of expertise in various fields of endeavour cannot be kept in isolation.

Therefore, several attempts should be made to write in detail some of the activities been embarked upon by different organizations, institutions, corporate bodies and what have we. They contribute immensely in the development of apprenticeship of manpower needs in Nigeria. This contribution would be found out in the course of research work.

It is against this and more background that this work might be made a daily companion by researching students, scholars, entrepreneurs and trainees.

In a nutshell, one is expected to know how the impact of apprenticeship development of manpower needs were to apprentices; be encouraged and welcomed by Nigerian Citizens. Some of the trends enumerated above would be a thing of past. Later all, the essence of acquiring knowledge is to impart it to one another. It means that putting interest on this apprenticeship system would in no doubt be of great advantage to the government and populace who are desirous to make both ends meet. At a time, non-challant attitude of some people under the illusion that apprenticeship system is meant for the illiterates or people of low status should henceforth disillusioned. In large, apprentice does not mean those who did not know how to read and write but the literate ones. This will later be discussed in detail in the subsequent chapter.

To this end, the easiest way forward to achieve and maintain the impact of apprenticeship on manpower development in Nigeria is by all and sundry placing hands on deck, not to be seen in a wrong perspective to be of great importance to certain individuals but of a mutual advantage of all. Even if you are not an apprentice, it should never be discouraged. We than God that n the contemporary institutions of higher learning that apprenticeship system is encouraged in the course termed “Entrepreneurial Development”. Lastly, to cope with the new demands, new problems and new challenges.

1.2   STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM.

One should not fail to acknowledge some of the specific aspects which give the researcher a great concern during the course of this research. To buttress up points, as it is often said in research methodology, be it in business, education, political science, to mention but a few that; “A problem well defined is half-solved”. Let it be made clear that there are many of them but the prominent ones would be given rapt attention.

It is however imperative to note that this research topic is believed to be varying or changing in nature. The question is why is it so? In this light, programmes undertaken in the name of apprenticeship scheme are numerous, mismanaged and unstable.

Oftenly, a new government, which has new resolution, comes into power, most of the times have different ideology or idiosyncratic approach to issues to affect the already established programmes and schemes. Today, some of the schemes run by National Directorate of Employment (NDE) are not operational as it was before due to fraudulent activities and other vices. Let us categorically state that some of the problems encountered do not arise from only government-established enterprise.

On the other hand, why is that greater number of apprentices is illiterates? The attributable factor could be an alternative source of acquiring formal education. It specifies the learning period depending on the nature of the trade usually at the shortest possible time. Lets say one month, three months, one year, two years and so on. At times regarded as not time consuming.

For better comprehension, formal apprenticeship system would be the focal point of the study which is the basis of manpower training and development in Nigeria with particular reference to Enugu metropolis. The informal apprenticeship system should not be given attention.

1.3   OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

There are certain outstanding objectives which are uppermost in mind and must be met. Interestingly, studying the impact of apprenticeship on manpower development in Nigeria with an in-depth look of events, individuals and institutions within the metropolis of Enugu; helps tremendously in effective and efficient management, sustainability of economic growth and development and skill acquisition (Drucker, 1986).

In order to shed more light on this, it is imperative to outline the aims of studying impact of apprenticeship on manpower development. Therefore, the overriding importance of the research work are given as follows:

1.          To investigate if there are gains derived from being an apprenticeship after completion.

2.          To find out whether apprenticeship development of manposer development are durable oriented, education oriented and management oriented.

3.          To identify the upliftment and restoration of dignity of labour.

This material content is developed to serve as a GUIDE for students to conduct academic research