Artisanal Skill Acquisition and Employment Creation in the Informal Sector: A Case Study of Tema, Ghana.
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University of Ghana
Abstract
This research delves into the intricate landscape of artisanal skill acquisition and employment
in the informal sector of Ghana. Employing a qualitative phenomenological approach, the study
aimed to unravel the barriers hindering artisanal skill acquisition, understand the approaches to
informal artisanal training, and identify limiting factors impeding employment opportunities
among artisans. My inclusive approach involves interviews with current apprentices and master
craftspersons. The research, conducted in the Tema Metropolitan Assembly, explores the lived
experiences of 25 participants engaged in various artisanal trades, ranging from masonry to
beautician services. Financial constraints, social stigma, and exploitation emerged as
significant barriers to informal artisanal skill acquisition in Tema. Common training modes
included apprenticeship, informal observational learning, and self-directed learning.
Employment challenges encompassed financial barriers, urban planning decisions,
bureaucratic hurdles, and limited access to startup capital. The findings contribute to the
existing literature by offering depth and empirical analysis that delves into young people's
perceptions of the apprenticeship system, offering distinctive insights. Unlike prior studies, I
holistically examined various phases and characteristics of informal apprenticeships, exploring
barriers to training across diverse artisanal trade categories. Overall, I explicitly outlined
barriers, demonstrating the system's impact on economically disadvantaged youth in Tema.
Description
MA. Development Studies