Title: Training Needs of Roadside Electrical Technicians in Cognitive Apprenticeship and Psychomotor Skills for Effective Performance in South-South Nigeria
Authors: EMANOVWE, Ariehrie, Prof. Odu Kennedy Oji, Prof. Umunadi, Ejiwoke Kennedy
Volume: 9
Issue: 8
Pages: 222-228
Publication Date: 2025/08/28
Abstract:
This study : investigated the training requirements of roadside electrical technicians in cognitive apprenticeship and psychomotor skills to enhance their effectiveness in South-South Nigeria. The increasing complexity of modern electrical and electronic systems has heightened the demand for highly skilled technicians; however, many of these technicians lack formal training, which hinders their ability to deliver efficient and quality services. The study was guided by two research questions and two null hypotheses and employed a descriptive survey research design. The population consisted of 1,120 registered roadside electrical technicians across the South-South region, from which a sample of 245 technicians was selected using a multi-stage sampling method. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire validated by three experts in technical and vocational education. The reliability of the instrument was established through Cronbach Alpha, which produced a coefficient of 0.87, demonstrating high internal consistency. Data analysis involved the use of mean and standard deviation to address the research questions, while Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was employed to test the hypotheses at a 0.05 level of significance. The results revealed that roadside electrical technicians had significant training needs in both cognitive apprenticeship and psychomotor skills. Key areas identified included diagnostic reasoning, systematic troubleshooting, and logical problem-solving, as well as proficiency in safe tool handling, accurate wiring, and component installation. ANOVA results showed significant differences in the respondents' mean ratings, leading to the rejection of both null hypotheses. Based on these findings, the study recommended the development of structured training programs, targeted workshops, and competency-based skill development initiatives to strengthen the cognitive and psychomotor capacities of roadside electrical technicians in South-South Nigeria.