IMPLEMENTATION OF APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING SCHEME IN MALAWI TECHNICAL COLLEGES AND INDUSTRY: A CASE OF GENERAL FITTING TRADE

Abstract

The study investigated the implementation of the apprenticeship training scheme in Malawi technical colleges and industry in general fitting trade using the perceptions of industrial foremen, general fitting instructors, technical education officers, and apprentices. It was carried out in purposively sampled public and private technical colleges and companies. The research problem emanated from literature review which showed that there are unskilled workers in general fitting industry despite the adoption of apprenticeship training scheme which aimed bringing change in the system. Given that situation, the study therefore sought to investigate on how apprenticeship training scheme is implemented based on stakeholders‟ perceptions; the differences between public and private technical colleges‟ gender-balance and factors that hinder or promote the implementation of apprenticeship training scheme in general fitting trade in Malawi. Contextual interaction theory and cognitive apprenticeship model were suitable theoretical frameworks for the study which followed investigative and confirmatory design of concurrent triangulation of mixed methods approach. The findings of the study will help Technical Entrepreneurship and Vocational Education Training (TEVET) stakeholders to develop policies that are feasible in apprenticeship training scheme in general fitting trade. The main argument of the study is that the implementation of the general fitting trade apprenticeship training scheme in Malawi faces challenges because of lack of stakeholders‟ coordination during the implementation process. This results in low skill acquisition by the apprentices. The study implies that knowledge sharing could minimizes problems during implementation stage.