THE ROLE OF MENTORSHIP IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF ENTREPRENEURIAL KNOWLEDGE AND LONG-TERM INTENTIONS: EVIDENCE FROM TRADITIONAL APPRENTICESHIP PRACTICES

Abstract

The study examined mentorship's impact on Nigerian entrepreneurial knowledge and long-term intentions through traditional apprenticeship practices, examining mentorship style, support, and outcomes. A cross-sectional research design is employed, and data was collected from 848 apprentices in vocational training centres and apprenticeship facilities in Ibadan, Nigeria, using a self-administered questionnaire. The internal consistency of the instrument was carried out with an acceptable Cronbach alpha of 0.7 and above. The findings indicate positive correlations between mentorship factors and entrepreneurial outcomes, highlighting the importance of effective mentorship programs within the apprenticeship. The results also revealed that mentorship qualities, have the greatest impact on entrepreneurial knowledge, while mentorship factors contribute significantly to long-term entrepreneurial intentions and business startup success. The study provides valuable insights for the development of tailored mentorship programs within traditional apprenticeship practices in Nigeria.