Abstract
M.A. (Human Resource Management)
Sufficient trained labour is necessary for the economical
growth and development of the country, and artisan training
is therefore a national priority. The Metal Industry is the
largest contributor to apprentice training in South Africa.
Continual technological development places a high demand on
artisans, and that in turn requires intensive training. This
has led to the need for candidates with strong mental
abilities and aptitudes to meet the above-mentioned
requirements.
The selection and classification of apprentices who will be
successful in their training and work is not an easy task,
since the majority of apprentices are school leavers and do
not have previous work experience. It is therefore necessary
to assess their trainability and work potential by means of
a psychometric test battery.
The purpose of this study is to determine whether
apprentices can then be classified into specific trades on
the basis of their psychometric test results. Should this be
possible, apprentices can be placed in specific trades
according to their aptitudes, abilities and interests.