Apprenticeship System and Performance of Family Owned Businesses in South East, Nigeria

Abstract

This study focused on apprenticeship system and performance of Family-Owned Businesses in South – East, Nigeria. The study investigated the effect of cheap labour offered by apprenticeship on effective product pricing, the effect of distribution network created during apprenticeship on the market share, and the effect of graduate apprentice on market expansion of FOBs in South-East, Nigeria. The research adopted the descriptive survey design. The study was carried out in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States. The study was carried out on the Family-Owned Businesses (FOBs). The response rate was 91.8% of the estimated sample size of 572. The study used multi-stage sampling technique for the sample selection. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Hypotheses were tested using binomial logistic regression. Findings indicated that cheap labour offered by apprenticeship significantly and positively affect effective product pricing, distribution network created during apprenticeship has a significant positive on the market share and that graduate apprentice significantly and positively affected the market expansion. The study concluded that FOBs can benefit from these programs by accessing affordable labor, expanding their distribution capabilities, and leveraging the skills and knowledge of graduates. The study recommended among others that FOBs should collaborate with educational institutions, vocational training centers, and government agencies to design comprehensive and well-structured apprenticeship programs, and that these initiatives should concentrate on improving technical skills, fostering business acumen, and deepening product knowledge.