Igbo Apprenticeship Scheme a Nexus for Entrepreneurship Development in South East Nigeria

Abstract

The Igbo Apprenticeship Scheme is an ancient business training scheme in South East Nigeria. It is founded on practical learning, trust and mentorship. The youngsters are taught trade skills by the elderly business owners and are given a start-up aid on termination of training. This system has seen the growth of many small businesses in the region. This paper is an analysis of the Igbo Apprenticeship Scheme and how it contributes to the development of entrepreneurs. It targets transfer of skills, business survival and wealth creation among the young entrepreneurs. The research takes a mixed-method approach. The former apprentices and masters, who had served in few states in South East Nigeria, participated in the survey. The real business experiences, challenges, and results were captured through interviews. The results were interpreted using descriptive analysis and thematic review. The results indicate that the scheme enhances effective business competencies, discipline, and awareness of risks. The settlement enabled most of the beneficiaries to own small businesses. Close mentoring relations between the mentors and apprentices promoted business continuity and community reactions. Poor access to finance and limited formal education were still the major challenges. Informal apprenticeship systems are found to enhance the development of enterprises in the study. This model can be adjusted by business managers and policymakers to train the youth, manage succession and inclusive growth. The results can be enhanced by correlating the scheme with formal training and financial assistance.