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 revitalizethe apprenticeship trainingsystem in Nigeria cannot be fully achieved without a feedback mechanism onthe level of skills acquired by thetrainees.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 stateand 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-PowerBuild beneficiaries in Adamawa state. Cronbach’salpha was used to analyze the datato 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 representinga 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.