Craftsmen Perception of the Dual Apprenticeship in Benin

This paper analyzes the craftsmen perception of dual apprenticeship in Benin. The introduction of dual apprenticeship in technical vocational education and training system has established new structural arrangements in the apprenticeship system. The apprentices must leave the workshop for one day of theoretical instructions and practical knowledge. By assessing how this alternative system of apprenticeship is perceived, this research adopted a qualitative method. It was conducted in Cotonou, Abomey-Calavi and Parakou with the collaboration of the master craftsmen including staff members of professional associations, apprentices, trainers and heads of the vocational training centers. Purposive sampling and snowball sampling technique were applied to select them. In total, 66 participants have been interviewed. Data collection was carried out through life-history and individual semi-structured interview. Among the adopter categories, the research identified another category called business users to describe the training centers that recruit their apprentices. Apprentices who participate in the program are motivated by curiosity and by explicit knowledge from vocational training centers. Master craftsmen are satisfied with the program because of the formal certificates given to the apprentices after the training completion.