APPRECIATION OF THE IGBO APPRENTICESHIP SYSTEM (IMU-AHIA) AS A MICROCOSM OF SOFT SKILLS

Abstract

Apprenticeship is an arrangement whereby a child or an adult, male or female bonds himself or herself to serve and learn within a definite time from a master who undertakes to teach his or her trade to the apprentice. The aim of this paper is to critically appreciate the Imu-Ahia system of apprenticeship with a view to highlighting it as a microcosm of soft skills. Using critical analysis, the researcher xrays the apprentice system,traces the origin,explains the processes, evaluates the features especially at it pertains to soft skill acquisition and finds out that apprenticeship has greatly helped in infusing soft skills into the youths. The system has also helped to provide a mentorship model as seen between masters and apprentice, giving them a purpose worthy of emulation so that apprentices can continue the trend when they are established. The researcher hereby recommends that the Imu-Ahia system of apprenticeship be adopted in the education sector as this would enhance young people’s employability and thus increase their entrepreneurial prospects. This system does not only serve as a means of survival for the average man but also, it has proved to be a required elixir for the development of soft skills which is a sine qua non for survival in the 21st century work environment.