GENDER AND TRAINEE RECRUITMENT DECISIONS IN THE IGBO APPRENTICESHIP PRACTICE IN ENUGU METROPOLIS, ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA

The study focused on gender and trainee recruitment decisions in the Igbo apprenticeship practice in Enugu Metropolis, Enugu State, Nigeria. The specific objectives sought to examine the extent of the relationship between gender and honest attitude of apprentices, and ascertain the relationship between gender and disposition to teamwork among apprentices in Enugu metropolis, Enugu State, Nigeria. The study had a population of 1,945 entrepreneurs of the apprenticeship practice. A sample-size of 331 entrepreneurs for the apprenticeship practice was determined, through Taro Yamane’s formula at 5% tolerance and 95% level of confidence. Instruments utilized for data collection were primarily structured questionnaire and interviews. A total of 331 copies of the questionnaire were distributed, while 324 copies were properly filled / returned, leaving 7 copies not properly filled. Survey research design was adopted for the study. Two hypotheses were formulated in line with research objectives and questions. Data collected were tested and analyzed, using Simple Linear Regression Statistical tool and Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient at 5% level of significance. The findings indicated that there was a significant positive relationship between gender and honest attitude of apprentices (r = .948, P<.05), and there was also, a significant positive relationship between gender and disposition to teamwork among apprentices (r =.931, p<.05). The study concluded that the data collected and analyzed indicated a significant positive relationship between all gender and all trainee recruitment variables measured. Consequently, there was significant positive relationship between gender and trainee recruitment decisions in the Igbo apprenticeship practice. The study, therefore, recommended among other things that masters of apprenticeship practice are encouraged to investigate gender differences in skill perceptions, explore how male and female trainees perceive the significance of honest and teamwork skills in recruitment decisions. They are also encouraged not to consider cultural beliefs and gender norms in the Igbo communities with respect to female gender in recruitment decisions, rather be based on acquisition of necessary skills, availability and determination of the apprentices so as to promote gender equality and inclusivity in recruitment and selection processes