Informal Mechanic Apprenticeship as Alternative Pathway for School Leavers in the Dade-Kotopon Municipality

Abstract

Apprenticeships play a key role in providing a qualified workforce. In Ghana’s informal apprenticeships have a wider reach to those who need work skills than formal apprenticeships. However, due to non-regulation and lack of supervision, informal apprenticeship is plagued with numerous challenges. This study explored the activities of informal mechanic apprenticeships in the La Dade Kotopon Municipality and reviewed apprenticeship models in other countries that can be adapted to improve them as alternative livelihood pathways for school leavers. This qualitative study conducted 20 in-depth interviews and two focus group discussions with informal mechanic apprentices and masters. The apprenticeship models of Germany, England and Australia were reviewed because literature suggest that they are among the most successful models globally. The data were manually analysed. The study found that unlike Germany, Australia and England, where government finance apprenticeship, self-financing, parents/guardian financing and non-governmental organizations’ support were the main financing mechanisms among mechanic apprenticeships in the Municipality. Additionally, their main challenges included unfavourable learning environment, bad relationship between the master mechanics and apprentices and unavailability of learning and working tools. The apprentices said they planned to establish their own shops, to work in their master’s shop upon completion or work as freelance mechanics. These career plans of the apprentices could be considered as potential skill utilisation strategies. The study concludes that with adequate funding and policy regulation informal mechanic apprenticeship has the potential of playing a major role of an alternative pathway to sustainable livelihood for school leavers in the Municipality. The study, thus recommends that Ghana Government enact policies to standardise informal mechanic apprenticeships, fund their trainings, give grants and flexible loans to start-ups and standardise the terms and conditions for employment of trained informal mechanic apprentices in the municipality.