Abstract:
In recent years, the Government of Kenya has embarked on a
new economic development strategy which emphasizes job creation
in the informal sector through self-employment and apprenticeship
training (Republic of Kenya, 1986). Informal apprenticeship training
takes place at ordinary workplaces in the informal sector and
makes production tasks part of the instruction as a means for
acquiring technical skills (Bas, 1988). Craftsmen demonstrate the
desired quality of performance for apprentices and then serve as
coaches while apprentices complete the same tasks. Apprentices
learn the correct actions and procedures by observing and then
assisting craftsmen in providing products or services that are sold to
customers. Performing these tasks enables apprentices to acquire
the skills and knowledge of their trade (King, 1987).
Apprentices may also acquire self-employment skills and knowledge
of business practices through the same process of observation
and participation (McLaughlin, 1990). However, this process is more
indirect and depends on the craftsmen's willingness to involve
apprentices in the business aspects of operating businesses (e.g.,
ordering materials, supervising other workers, and interacting
directly with customers) (Allen, 1977; King, 1989).
