Young apprentice program: evaluating the process of implementing the National Learning Policy in a public company

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to assess the implementation process of the National Learning Policy, within the scope of the Young Apprentice Program, in a state-owned company, in the view of its beneficiaries. Regarding the methodology, this is a research with a with quantitative-qualitative approach, as it applies an online questionnaire to young people who work in the state-owned company and participate in the program. The sample comprised 66% of the overall population of 144 young apprentices. Data was treated by means of descriptive statistics and factorial analysis. Ten factors explain the implementation of the program as perceived by the apprentices: self-development and better career performance; balance between theory and practice in the learning process; human relations and concern about education; performance assessment; possible limitations of the program; development and sectoral conflict; monitoring of the apprentices; employee liability; safety and responsibility of the apprentice; demands similar to an effective employee. The results confirm that participating in the program has raised confidence among students-apprentices regarding their career choices; theoretical training has contributed positively to the performance of their duties as a temporary employee and the existing dialogue in performance assessment process allows young apprentices to understand the learning process.