Abstract:
Apprenticeship is a form of post-secondary training that teaches the skills and
competencies necessary to perform tasks to an industry standard. Apprenticeship
training provides the opportunity for hands-on learning under the direction of a
certified journey person, with the ability to earn while you learn. Technical training
can occur at both formal and informal sector. Once the apprentice has completed the
required hours and/or modules for the trade, the apprentice can write a certification
exam. This study was undertaken to evaluate the practical competency of arc welders
trained under formal apprenticeship and informal apprenticeship module in the Ketu
South Municipal Area of Volta Region. The study employed both qualitative and
quantitative statistical procedure to analyze the data collected through questionnaires
and interviewing of respondents. A total of one hundred (100) respondents were
sampled for the study using purposive, stratified and quota sampling techniques.
The study revealed that the practical competency level of arc welders is going down
even though the quality of training is good, respondents affirmed that various
strategies must be put in place to improve the quality of training. Also, majority of
workers employed by contractors do not have enough training time. The study
recommended the need to invest more in technical education by government both in
the formal and informal sectors to improve practical competency of apprentice since
its emphasis can propel the country’s technological development.
Description:
A dissertation in the department of MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY
EDUCATION, Faculty of TECHNICAL EDUCATION, submitted to the School of
Graduate Studies, University of Education, Winneba in partial fulfillment of the
requirements for the ward of Master of Technology (Mechanical) degree