| The purpose of the thesis is to present an evaluative case study of the Delta Engineering Training Centre (D.E.T.C.) in Harare, Zimbabwe, by assessing its programs and graduates, in order to generate findings likely to contribute to clarifying the role of private sector apprenticeship training and its relationship to public sector training. Questionnaires were administered to 53 graduates of the Centre who had completed their training between 1980 and 1989. Additional questionnaires were completed by other stakeholders, including Delta Corporation Managers, D.E.T.C. instructors, supervisors and managers of the graduates, principals of technical schools, technical school instructors, a representative of the Ministry of Higher Education and a representative of the Employers Confederation of Zimbabwe.;The data were analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively employing simple frequency counts, percentages and means. The D.E.T.C.'s program is currently supplementing that offered by the formal technical/vocational training system through the technical colleges and the Centre is the only one of its kind offering an apprenticeship training program in Zimbabwe. Most of the Centre's graduates are working in the private sector. They are held in high regard by their supervisors and are assigned greater responsibility after a short period of employment. The consensus is that the graduates are making a significant contribution to the industrial sector of Zimbabwe.;The findings revealed that the apprenticeship training program of the Delta Engineering Training Centre is well designed, effectively delivered and, over the years has been extended to non-group companies and other personnel. The Centre should continue operating at its current capacity and play a more complementary role in its relationship to the public sector.;The public sector can examine private sector training institutions' activities and apply those aspects that will improve public sector apprenticeship training. Governments can take the initiative by utilizing the expertise of individuals at private sector institutions in dialoguing on new apprenticeship training programs. The donor community can also become involved by examining private sector models and applying salient features to their various projects. |
