Self-Validation of N-Power Build Trainees’ Skills Acquisition: A Mechanism for Revitalizing Apprenticeship Training System in Nigeria

Abstract

It appears that the goal of the N-Power Build training program which sought to revitalize the apprenticeship training system in Nigeria cannot be fully achieved without a feedback mechanism on the level of skills acquired by the trainees. This study, therefore, was set to self-validate the skills acquired by N-Power Build trainees. Five research questions guided the study. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The area of the study was Taraba state and the population of the study is 501 N-Power build trainees. There was no sampling. The instrument used for data collection was a structured questionnaire developed by the researchers. The instrument was validated by three experts in the fields of Technology & Vocational Education. The instrument was trial-tested on 10 N-Power Build beneficiaries in Adamawa state. Cronbach’s alpha was used to analyze the data to establish the reliability of the instrument, and a reliability coefficient of 0.83 was obtained. Three hundred and forty-two copies of the instrument were administered to the respondents; however, only 318 were properly filled and returned representing a 93% rate of return. Mean was used to analyze the data to answer the research questions. Findings from the study indicated that the N-Power Build trainees acquired moderate skills in Automobile crafts, Electrical Installation and Maintenance Crafts, and Masonry and Tiling Crafts; however, they acquired a little bit skills in the Carpentry and Joinery Crafts, and Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Crafts. Based on the findings, some recommendations were made.