Factors influencing skills development and training pathways among local tailors in Kalulushi District, Zambia: A quantitative study

Naomi Bwalya; Dube Sindiswe

doi:10.51867/ajernet.7.3.146

Authors

Naomi Bwalya Mukuba University, Zambia https://orcid.org/0009-0000-8124-0644
Sindiswe Dube Mukuba University, Zambia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51867/ajernet.7.3.146

Keywords:

Informal Apprenticeship, Kalulushi District, Men's Shirt Collar Construction, Tailoring Skills Development, Technical Training, Zambia

Abstract

The tailoring industry in Zambia plays a significant role in providing employment and meeting clothing needs, particularly in urban districts such as Kalulushi on the Copperbelt. However, concerns have been raised about garment construction quality, particularly men's shirt collars. Methods: This quantitative study investigated the skills development pathways and training mechanisms among local tailors in Kalulushi District, with a specific focus on how these factors influence the quality of men's shirt collar construction. The study used a descriptive research design and collected data from 50 local tailors using a structured questionnaire. The sample was selected through simple random sampling from an estimated population of 110 tailors. Data were analysed using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) and Microsoft Excel, with descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations, computed for all variables. Results: The findings revealed that most respondents (68%) were male, with 40% having 1-3 years of experience and 56% having only a Grade 9 education. Notably, 64% of respondents disagreed that tailoring requires formal technical training at a skills training centre (mean=2.36, SD=0.92), while 80% agreed that tailors learn their craft through family members or informal apprenticeships (mean=4.12, SD=0.86). Chi-square analysis revealed no significant association between years of experience and rejection of formal training (χ²=3.45, df=6, p=0.75). Conclusion: The study concludes that tailoring skills development in Kalulushi is predominantly informal, transmitted through family lineages and master-apprentice relationships rather than formal technical education. This informal training system, while culturally embedded and accessible, may contribute to inconsistent quality outcomes in specialised areas such as men's shirt collar construction. Recommendations include establishing structured continuing professional development programmes, creating cooperative resource banks for pattern drafting, and integrating informal training mechanisms with formal technical education pathways. The study recommends that the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TEVETA) should develop structured continuing professional development programmes specifically targeting informal tailors, delivered in accessible locations with flexible scheduling and recognition of prior learning.

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