Apprenticeship System Of "Wayside" Seamstresses From Selected Neighbourhoods In Accra.
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Date
1997-10
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Publisher
University of Ghana
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the apprenticeship system of fifty
seamstresses and fifty apprentices from Achimota, Legon and Madina neighbourhoods
of Accra. A stratified sampling technique was used to select the respondents from
these neighbourhoods. The respondents were interviewed by the researcher, using two
separate structured questionnaires: One for the seamstresses and the other for the
apprentices. A non-obtrusive observational guide was also used to evaluate
teaching/learning interactions at the workshop. Frequency, percentage distribution and
cross-tabulation were used to analyze the data. Fathers with low level of education
endorsed apprenticeship for their daughters (Ref. Appendix VI).
The study revealed that the seamstresses were aged between 20 and 40. Their
educational attainment ranged from primary six to university. Eighty-two percent had
their professional training informally in kiosks while the rest either attended formal
vocational training schools or had no formal training in sewing. The apprentices were aged between 15 and 33 years. The educational level of 90% of
the apprentices ranged from primary to vocational school. Ten percent had had no
formal education. An aspirant apprentice ought to be introduced to a seamstress by a
respectable member of her family who would be the guarantor. Apprenticeship fees
ranging from 020,000 to 0120,000 were paid for a period of two and a half years
apprenticeship, in addition to six months service to sew with the trainer without being
paid.
The apprenticeship system was devoid of theory work, with an average of seven hours
each day spent on some sewing activity. Teaching and learning were through
demonstration by the seamstress, observation and practice by the apprentices who
most of the time taught one another (peer teaching). Eighty-two percent of the seamstress taught the sewing of slit and kaba and casual wears and eighteen percent
taught the sewing of wedding gowns in addition to slit and kaba, using the free hand
method of cutting.
End of apprenticeship was marked by a final examination. Eighty percent of the
apprentices took the Ghana National Tailors/Dressmakers Association (GNTDA)
examination. The rest were examined by their trainers who had not registered with the
national association. A graduation ceremony was organized in each neighbourhood for
the members of GNTDA to cater for an average of two apprentices each from a
workshop who completed their service together. Ninety-nine percent of the
apprentices aspired to establish their own sewing shop in Accra after training because
they were optimistic that business would be better in Accra than in their home towns.
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It is recommended that, The Ghana National Tailors and Dressmakers Association
(GNTDA) in consultation with the National Vocational Training Institute (NVTI)
Apprentice Training Board and the Ghana Education Service (GES), develop common
syllabus and text books for the Apprenticeship System.
Seamstresses should emphasize the importance of fabric grain as well as principles of
design as applied in garment design. This would equip the apprentice seamstress with
better knowledge in garment design and construction.
Description
Thesis (MPhil)-University of Ghana
Keywords
Apprenticeship System, Formal Vocational Training, Ghana National Tailors/Dressmakers Association (Gntda) Examination, Seamstresses, Garment Production