Engr Chibuzo Okoye, a Youth advocate for self help, has called on parents, guardians, traditional rulers, community leaders, religious bodies to reintroduced “Igbo Apprenticeship scheme in Igbo land.
He made the call in an interview with The Newsmen on Tuesday in Enugwu-Ukwu community, Njikoka Local Government Area(LGA) of Anambra State.
Okoye who is a Civil Engineer. (MNSE), by profession said that apprenticeship is a renowned informal business education that has proven to be a vital tool in wealth creation and poverty eradication.
“My call to reintroduced apprenticeship scheme is apt now considering the rate of youths who are unemployed and have resigned their faith in corporate begging or engagement in crimes.
” if it is reintroduced and youths are encouraged to learn one skill or two in life the knowledge garnered will serve then for life with or without any educational certificate.
” skill acquisition has capacity of making the learner wealthier than most certificate individuals who cannot have economic value if not employed,” he said.
He said that the scheme has a success rate of over 90%, as the system involves a comprehensive transfer of knowledge and wealth from the master (oga) to the apprentice over a specified period.
Okoye said that the apprenticeship period typically ranges from 4 to 6 years during this time, the apprentice learns essential skills, including:Business details,Marketing and customer retention,Business negotiation,Site selection, Stock management, Business management and expansion.
Although, he said that the methods may vary depending on the master, the apprentice often learns from other experienced individuals.
“A year before completion, some masters entrust the apprentice with managing a branch, testing their knowledge and readiness.
” It is rare to find someone who has gone through this apprenticeship scheme and failed in business. Instead, the system perpetuates growth, as settled apprentices are encouraged to take on their own apprentices once they have achieved stability.
Okoye said that though the apprenticeship scheme has been deemed an excellent economic model, it faces challenges, which includes;
Perceptions that it is only for those who cannot afford formal education.
Other challenges he listed included
the Masters’ inability to raise capital for the apprentice after settlement, Impatience among young people and Peer pressure and societal ills amongst the youths.
Okoye said that these challenges if addressed can revitalise the system, allowing it to regain its place as a powerful tool for wealth creation and poverty eradication in society.
That your ward or relatives that are sitting idle, enroll them to learn skills.
Apprenticeship is still good and the most formidable informal business education as recognized by the world Bank.
We all should take apprenticeship seriously.
Be a good apprentice, be a good Oga.
