BUSINESS APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING CENTERS AND ESTABLISHMENT OF SMALL AND MEDIUM SCALE INDUSTRIES IN KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The paper examined the relationship between Business Apprenticeship Business Centers (BATCs) and establishment of small and medium scale industries in Kaduna State. The study had two objectives. Two hypotheses were tested. Survey research design was used in the study. One hundred (100) graduates of Business Apprenticeship Business Centers who have established their own small scale businesses were used in the study. Pearson Product Moment Correlation coefficient statistic was used to test the null hypotheses. The hypotheses were tested at 0.05 levels of significance. The two hypotheses were retained. It was concluded that establishment of small and medium scale industries anywhere in the world is a function of many variables including possession of some skill. However, variables such as finance, conducive economic environment and availability of markets are also vital. Four recommendations were made, among which was that Kaduna State government should establish a revolving fund from which loans will be extended to graduates of BATCs in the state to help them buy necessary working tools, rent workshops and have some start-off cash. The usage of the loans should be closely supervised to avoid abuse.