Plans are on to peg the benchmark for Igbo apprenticeship to seven years in Anambra State.
Similarly persons wishing to become apprentice must attend basic education before doing so.
This is contained in a bill before the Anambra State House of Assembly tagged Anambra State Igbo apprenticeship bill 2024 and presented for public hearing at the legislative complex, Awka.
The Speaker of the House , Mr Somtochukwu Udeze, while declaring the hearing open, said the bill when passed will help to prevent abuse, promote transparency, and preserve a key cultural and economic practice in the Igbo society.
The sponsor of the bill and member representing Anaocha constituency 2, Mr Ejike Okechukwu, explained that it also seeks to discourage exploitation by ensuring that all contractual agreements are clearly defined, with written agreements spelling out duties, duration, and conditions for settlement at the end of the apprenticeship.
According to him, the key features of the bill include the compulsory documentation of apprenticeship agreements, the creation of a database of all registered apprentices and their masters, as well as a platform for resolving disputes between the parties