ABSTRACT

The study evaluated the National Open Apprenticeship Scheme (NOAS) of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) in South-East Nigeria (2007-2016) with focus on fashion design trade under the domestic trade cluster. The study is anchored on Context, Input, Process and Product CIPP evaluation model, while evaluation research design was used for the study. Nine research questions and eight hypotheses guided the study. The population of the study is 1,870 respondents which included 70 NDE personnel, 150 trainers, 500 NOAS graduates and 800 NOAS current trainees. Seven hundred and seventy-one (771) respondents were selected through, purposive, simple random sampling and snowball sampling technique. Two instruments (NOAS Resources Checklist (NRC) and NOAS Evaluation Questionnaire (NEQ)) were used for data collection. The instruments were validated by three experts: two from Measurement and Evaluation and one from Industrial and Technical Education Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike. The reliability of the instruments was ascertained using Cronbach Alpha with an internal consistency reliability index of 0.87 for NEQ, while the NRC had an inter-rater reliability coefficient index of 0.695 using Cohen’s k statistics. Data collected were analysed using frequencies, percentages, mean ( ) and standard deviation (SD) for research questions 1-9, while Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to test hypotheses 1,2, 3, 5 and 7. While t-test statistics was used to test hypotheses 4, 6 and 8 at .05 level of significance. Based on the data analysed, the result of the study shows that NOAS minimum basic facilities for fashion design trade are available and fairly adequate in NOAS training centers. Also, the study shows that no criteria such as previous academic qualification/certificate of origin are required to apply for the scheme. Similarly, the study shows that the advertising media such as social media/Communities and village chiefs often used to advertiser NOAS training opportunities are satisfactory. Also, the training need of the applicants such as right to choose vocational skill/counselling/financial support to start-up business are recognized. The study shows that conditions put in place for both the trainers and trainees such as preparation for standardized exams and theory classes are not well implemented. The study further shows that there are challenges that militate against the operation of the scheme. On the extent to which the scheme has achieved its objectives; the study shows that the scheme has been able to equip its graduates with skills that would make them employable/self employed, provide alternative employment opportunities for her graduates through the resettlement scheme. Based on the findings the researcher recommends that; the NDE should consult evaluation and curriculum experts to develop standardized instruments for placement evaluation, certification, grading system and activity modules for all trades. The government should provide adequate resources that are needed, partner with the Nigeria Agriculture Cooperative and Rural Development Bank, and Bank of Industry to support NOAS graduates with finance (Loan/ Grant) that will enable them established their own business. The NDE should partner with National Board for Technical and Business Education to develop standards for NOAS centers.