Exploring the experiences of apprenticeship training in the garment industry, a case of apprentices at Hohoe in the Volta Region

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to explore the experiences of apprentices in the garment industry using Hohoe in the Volta Region as a case study. The study adopted the mixed-method approach in the conduct of the study. The purposive sampling technique was used to sample from a population of all fashion trainers and apprentices in the garment industry in the Hohoe Metropolis in the Volta Region of Ghana. A total of 198 participants comprising both trainers and apprentices participated in the study. Using the quantitative approach to research questionnaires were adopted as the main instrument of data collection; which was duly supported by an observation of the apprenticeship training process. The study found that apprenticeship training undertaken in the garment industry takes the form of both direct one-on-one interaction with an apprentice as well as groups and that apprenticeship training is given every day to apprentices. The study additionally discovered that most of the apprentices are trained on the jobs by taking part in the garment production activities. Junior apprentices perform simple tasks whereas senior apprentices are delegated to perform complex tasks. and also, that apprentices go through marketing training as a way of learning the business aspect of apprentices are sent on errands to learn how to market and also purchase items. The study, therefore, recommended that the National Tailors and Dressmakers Association in consultation with the National Vocational Training Institute (Apprentice Training Board) must develop a standard curriculum for its members to regularize the apprenticeship training in the garment industry.