Capacity Building Initiatives for the Informally Trained Mechanics on the Repairs and Servces of Modern Motor Vehicles for Sustaining Service Workshops in Nsukka, Nigeria

Abstract

As a result of the complexity of the innovative technologies embedded in the modern motor vehicles components, systems, sub-systems and because of the increasing sensitivity in technology transfer which has consequently facilitate the assimilation and adaptation of technology, has posed a challenge to the informally trained motor vehicle mechanics in the repairs and services of modern motor vehicles which suffice the need to ameliorate their capacity building needs. The study was therefore design to identify areas of the modern motor vehicles components, systems and sub-systems where the mechanics requires capacity and proffering some capacity building initiatives for coping with the challenges of the innovative technologies in modern motor vehicles for sustaining service workshops. Two research questions were stated in line with the specific purpose of the study. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population for the study is 150 comprising the master craftsmen, journey-men and apprentices in the informal sector of motor vehicle repair and service workshops. A thirty two (32) items questionnaire was developed from an extensive review of literature on the different areas of modern motor vehicles components, systems, sub-systems, and proffered capacity building initiates for coping with the challenges of the innovative technologies in modern motor vehicles for sustaining service workshops. Three experts from the department of Industrial Technical Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka with stress in Automobile Technology validated the instrument. Cronbach Alpha reliability method was used to determine the internal consistency of the instrument. A reliability coefficient of 0.88 was obtained. The data were analyzed using the mean and standard deviation. It was found out that eighteen (18) questionnaire items were considered as the different areas of modern motor vehicles components, systems, sub-systems, where the mechanics requires capacity and fourteen (14) questionnaire items were also considered as the proffered capacity building initiates for coping with the challenges of the innovative technologies in modern motor vehicles for sustaining service workshops. It was therefore recommended that stakeholders should implement the capacity building initiates for coping with the challenges of the innovative technologies in modern motor vehicles such as, given incentives or remunerations/ wages, the master craftsmen should be encouraged to embark on training to widen or broaden his knowledge on innovations in automobile and transfer same to his apprentices for sustaining service workshops.