Factors influencing the performance of learners completing apprenticeships in the printing and packaging industry of South Africa

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify the factors that influence the performance of learners from the perspectives of learners and facilitators and determine if there are similarities or significant differences between them. This study was conducted utilising methodological triangulation for data collection. It used the Priority-Sequence Model design as a preliminary qualitative method in a quantitative study. The study used two approaches of qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Both phases used questionnaires or surveys that were administered to two different categories of cases, facilitators and learners. The qualitative questionnaire identified variety of factors that were prioritised in the quantitative survey. The facilitators remained the same sample throughout the study, but the learner sample differs throughout. The respondent’s factors were then compared to determine similarities or differences. Results showed that between the categories of cases, success factors indicated synergy and failure factors resulted in significant differences. The facilitators believed that the success of learners was dependent on the learners, facilitators and the environment in which the learning took place. The learners believed that they were responsible for their own success and focused less on the environment and the facilitators. The facilitators also believed that the learners were solely responsible for their failure and that they had no contribution to it. In this instance the learners felt the same, indicating that the environment, facilitators and other factors beyond their control had little impact on their failure. It is evident that a more holistic approach to studies must be established and a deeper approach to learning and teaching must be adopted.