ADULT EDUCATION AS VERITABLE TOOL FOR YOUTH EMPOWERMENT, CREATIVITY AND SELF-RELIANCE THROUGH NATIONAL OPEN APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME IN OSUN STATE

Abstract

This study examined the vocational training programme of the National Open Apprenticeship Scheme (NOAS), a vocational skill development (VSD) programme of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) in Nigeria for equipping the unemployed youths and adults with required skills for employability. Specifically, the study (i) examined methods used by the master-craft trainers to train adult trainees under their apprenticeship; (ii) investigated whether the adult trainees are equipped with appropriate job skills that will enable them to be self-employed/reliant or secure wage employment; and, (iii) found out whether the adults trained under this scheme eventually become self-employed/reliant or secured wage employment. The study used case study research design. The population for the study consisted of apprenticeship trainees, ex-trainees and master-craft trainers under the NOAS. The sample
comprised 10 trainees and 10 master-craft trainers drawn using simple random sampling technique, and 10 ex-trainees selected through snowballing sampling method. The instruments were semi-structured interview guide and direct observation. The data collected from oral interviews and direct observation were qualitatively analyzed using interpretive content analysis. The study employed experiential andragogy model developed by O’Bannon & McFadden (2008) as its framework. The results showed that the trainees/ex-trainees were trained through verbal instruction, observation, and imitation among other methods. The trainees responded that they liked the vocation for which they are being trained and the results also showed that 7 out of the 10 ex-trainees practiced the trades for which they were trained. It was concluded that the methods used were andragogically effective and the
programmes were good enough to meet the job/trade expectations of the trainees. However, the number of beneficiaries of the NDE’s NOAS was too small in enormous Nigeria’s population. Among others, it was recommended that there should be more awareness on the veritableness of VSD as an alternative means of socioeconomic sustenance.