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The inheritance of traditional handicraft of intangible cultural heritage is facing an unprecedented crisis. The essence of inheritance is the process of imparting and inheriting from master to apprentice, but there is acute shortage of research about the parties, the relationship and the behavior of inheritance. Therefore, choosing inherited behavior as a starting point to explore the inner formation mechanism of master and apprentice inheritance in traditional handicraft, as well as determining the influencing factors of the inheritance, have important theoretical value and practical significance for the inheritance of intangible cultural heritage. Using 4 traditional handicraft inheritance institutions in China as case objects, 37 inheritance parties and 21 mentoring matching groups were interviewed. Through standard case analysis and three-step coding method of grounded theory, it is found that skill generation involves the stages of inquiry, interaction and feedback, as well as the following steps:cognition of skill generation, coupling of skill generation, automation of skill generation, etc. Through coding, 12 categories and 33 specific influencing factors are identified. Among them, individual factors influence interaction relation, and the interaction relation has a concrete influence on the process of inheritance, affecting the ultimate effect of inheritance. This study is of reference value for improving the relationship between masters and apprentices and promoting the effective inheritance of traditional handicraft. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apprenticeship is a time-tested learning model and workforce development strategy. In the United States, registered apprenticeship (RA)—a structured form of apprenticeship that is regulated and overseen by government agencies—has been expanding from skilled trades into new industries. To inform this expansion and contribute to the understanding of how the model serves apprentices and employers, the author undertook a systematic literature review and a qualitative synthesis of empirical research, interpreting findings on RA over a 30-year period. The review identified 36 scholarly studies and an additional 98 articles from the practitioner literature. The synthesis derived three themes: expansion, benefits, and outcomes for minoritized groups, revealing gaps in research on the curricular and instructional design elements of RA that promote retention, completion, career advancement, and learning for apprentices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study determined the apprentices’ perception of training modalities in electronic maintenance in Plateau state, Nigeria. Five research questions guided the study. A descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. 203 electronic apprentices at registered electronics industries in Plateau state between 2018 and 2020 made up the study's population. Data were gathered using a questionnaire (Cronbach’s α=0.86). The study questions were answered using means and standard deviation. The study identified admittance modalities, various functional facilities for training, instructional modalities, motivation indices and evaluation methods for apprentices. The study recommends that the NDE administrators and government should hire competent master craftsmen to train apprentices, and finance skilled trainees to buy the tools they need for training and entrepreneurship, so as to increase their capacity for output.

Apprenticeships are becoming an increasingly popular means of training healthcare professionals, providing an opportunity to earn and study simultaneously in order to gain nationally recognised qualifications. However, there is currently a lack of evaluative data on the student experience of Occupational Therapy (OT) or Allied Health Professional (AHP) apprenticeship schemes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the perspectives of five apprentices who commenced the Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust (KCHFT) OT Apprenticeship in January 2020. A qualitative interpretive approach was utilised to analyse semi-structured interview data. Subsequent thematic analysis identified three key themes from the data: support (peer-support, support from employer, and applying theory to practice), organisation (University, time-management and learning needs), and communication (University, and stakeholder expectations). The findings from this study emphasise the importance of clear communication and the management of expectations between stakeholders, effective induction processes, and a commitment to supporting mentors and workplace teams within the clinical arena. Future evaluations should consider the perspectives of other stakeholders within apprenticeship programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Along with surgeons, anesthesia professionals, and RN circulators, surgical technologists are essential members of the perioperative team. Despite a partnership with a local community college that offered a surgical technologist degree program, Norton Healthcare in Louisville, Kentucky, continued to experience a shortage of surgical technologists. To meet demands, the clinical educators at the facility developed an in‐house Surgical Technologist Apprentice Program (STAP). The STAP consists of six weeks of didactic learning and hands‐on training in an OR simulation laboratory, followed by a six‐month preceptorship in the OR. This program has proven invaluable, particularly as the COVID‐19 pandemic increased the need for personnel who are not only skilled in the OR but also can provide essential frontline patient care when needed. Together, the STAP and the college partnership offer a career‐building opportunity for those in entry‐level positions who may not otherwise be able to afford to train for this specialized role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In the face of constant and rapid development achieving a work-life balance requires highly qualified and motivated professionals who can deal with stress and the demands of the future. In response, by facilitating school- and work-based learning, upper secondary vocational education and training (VET) prepares and qualifies adolescents for professional practice. In relation to VET, two fundamental salutogenic concepts can explain how humans cope with stressful and demanding situations: Sense of coherence (SOC), which entails comprehensibility, manageability and meaningfulness, and general resistance resources (GRRs), theorised as resources within individuals themselves (i.e., internal) and/or in their surroundings (i.e., external). Against that background, in our study we aimed to identify and explore which GRRs contribute to SOC among apprentices in VET and how they influence work-based learning. Methods: Data were collected from 11 VET student in Norway at three time points--at interviews during their final semester of school-based learning (i.e., spring 2020), at interviews during their work-based learning (i.e., spring 2022) and, for register data, following their completion of trade certificates (i.e., autumn 2022). The students' experiences of work-based learning as apprentices formed the basis of this study's analysis. The stepwise deductive-inductive method was used to generate and analyse the data. Findings: The apprentices' GRRs emerged in emotional, cognitive, physical, professional, social, relational, material and cultural dimensions. Identification and utilisation of GRRs were both individually and socially conditioned. The apprentices were able to identify, both consciously and unconsciously, internal GRRs to further identify external GRRs, and vice versa. Each identified GRR appeared to affect at least one, if not all, of the three components of SOC. Conclusion: Salutogenic VET can provide personal, social, environmental and physical resources (i.e., GRRs) that ensure coherent learning experiences. For that reason, by supporting VET students in identifying GRRs, teachers and supervisors can promote their SOC and work-based learning and thereby prepare them to be highly qualified and motivated professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impact Digital Entrepreneurship Apprentice Program (IDEA@KPT) at Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia 2021 is a comprehensive nationwide six-month program. Forty-three teams consist of 43 Academic Supervisors, 129 institutes of Higher Learning students, and 43 Micro & Small Enterprises (MSE) owners conducted by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. The program is aimed to develop capable students in maneuvering the digital business world. Students underwent an online Business and Digital Training, with apprenticeship and formal reportings. This article aims to present the impact of IDEA@KPT activities by analyzing 43 case studies produced in the program. A pre-codification scheme that concentrates on the study goals was the method for data collection. Before the program, all the teams were informed of the required components to ensure uniformity of the report. The evidence of significant gain and impact on the MSEs businesses was drawn from the components. Other than the components, analytics hindsight, visual appeal, persuasion ability, perception on paid ads, posting timing, and synergies beyond the digital world activities were gathered, providing richer information and insights that increase business value. Such lessons are beneficial to all parties as all businesses are demanded to utilize digital platforms nowadays.

Purpose: A work life in the face of constant and rapid development requires highly qualified and motivated professionals who can deal with the stress and demands of the future. Through school- and work-based learning, upper secondary vocational education and training (VET) qualifies adolescents for professional practice. Aron Antonovsky introduced two fundamental concepts explaining how humans cope with stressful situations: The sense of coherence (SOC), which includes the concepts of comprehensibility, manageability and meaningfulness, and general resistance resources (GRRs), which are resources in the persons themselves (internal) and/or in their surroundings (external). This study aimed to identify and explore which GRRs contribute to SOC among apprentices in VET and how they influence work-based learning. Methods: Data were obtained from 10 VET students in Norway and generated at three timepoints: interviews during the final semester of school-based learning (spring 2020), interviews during work-based learning (spring 2022) and register data following trade certificate completion (summer 2022). The students’ experiences of work-based learning as apprentices formed the basis of this study’s analysis. The stepwise deductive-inductive method introduced by Tjora was used to generate and analyse the data. Findings: The apprentices‘ GRRs included emotional, professional, social, relational, material and cultural dimensions. GRR identification and utilisation were both individually and socially conditioned. Apprentices were able to identify, both consciously and unconsciously, internal GRRs to further identify external GRRs and vice versa. Each identified GRR in this study appeared to affect one, two or all three SOC components. Conclusion: A salutogenic VET can provide personal, social, environmental and physical resources (GRRs) that ensure coherent learning experiences. The roles and functions of teachers and supervisors in schools and companies are essential. By supporting VET students’ SOC and helping them identify GRRs, they promote learning and healthy development as well as prepare highly qualified and motivated professionals.

Managing effective apprentice programs is central to addressing the challenges posed by an aging workforce and skill shortages in the construction industry. However, the appeal of construction apprentice programs has declined among the youth. Research showed that young workers could face higher occupational health and safety (OHS) risks in the construction industry, which could be perceived as barriers to attracting and retaining them in construction apprentice programs. Curtailing OHS risks is therefore imperative to sustaining apprentice programs. However, there is limited evidence on vulnerable trades, predominant incident mechanisms, and injury types concerning OHS risk for apprentices. Workers' compensation data related to construction apprentices between 2008 and 2019 (12 years), were empirically analyzed. Despite the overconcern, the incident proportion of 7% for construction apprentices was lower than their representation of 11% in the workforce. Thirteen fatalities have occurred for the period, and predominant mechanisms were vehicle incidents, electrocution, and fall from a height. Additionally, a range of musculoskeletal diseases due to muscular stress was responsible for permanent incapacities among apprentices. Apprentices who trained as carpenters, electricians, plumbers, bricklayers, and structural steel workers were more vulnerable to fatalities and permanent incapacities. The findings offer practical insights for a focused and optimized OHS management scheme for regaining and improving the appeal of construction apprentice programs. Although the findings and the insights drawn thereof are specific to Australia, these may also apply to other countries where construction apprentice programs are similar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study's aim is to examine vocational students' perceptions of self-regulated learning in work-based settings regarding Finnish vocational education and training (VET). We examined the participants' self-reported thoughts and experiences of VET learning and vocational development that were reflected against SRL theory. The interview data (N = 33) included apprentices (n = 15) in work-based and students in school-based VET (n = 18) in the fields of social and healthcare, business and administration, and construction. Overall, the results indicated that learning at work promoted vocational students' cognitive engagement and motivation. The interviews also introduced certain SRL strategies that guided the participants' efforts to learn. In particular, many of the vocational students had taken the initiative to set goals, done strategic planning, and monitored their own performance jointly with their teachers or co-workers. However, the self-reports also revealed some shortcomings in the students' SRL behaviour. The importance and availability of social support and positive feedback from VET teachers and workplace trainers/co-workers to vocational students' learning and self-efficacy were underlined in the self-reports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Apprenticeships are a common pathway for young people transitioning into the workforce. Apprentices often face many employment-related challenges and have high levels of psychological distress, drug and alcohol use, and suicidal ideation. Little is known about the attitudes of apprentices toward using smartphone apps to support their mental health and the content that would engage them. Objective: This study explored (1) apprentices’interest in using an app to support their mental health and (2) the healthy coping strategies used to manage their mental well-being in the face of workplace challenges, in order to inform future app content. Methods: A mixed methods study was conducted with 54 apprentices (50/54 male, 93%) with a mean age of 22.7 (SD 5.7) years. Participants completed a survey on preferred ways of using an app to support mental health. Across 8 focus groups, participants were asked to describe healthy strategies they used to cope with occupational stressors. Results: Only 11% (6/54) of participants currently used a well-being app, but there was high interest in using an app to support their friends (47/54 participants, 87%) and develop self-help strategies to manage or prevent mental health issues (42/54 participants, 78%). Four major types of coping behaviors were identified: (1) social connection for disclosure, advice, and socializing; (2) pleasurable activities, such as engaging in hobbies, time-outs, and developing work-life separation; (3) cognitive approaches, including defusing from thoughts and cognitive reframing; and (4) self-care approaches, including exercise, a healthy diet, and getting adequate sleep. Conclusions: There is interest among apprentices to use an app with a positive well-being focus that helps them to develop self-management skills and support their friends. Apprentices utilized a range of healthy behaviors to cope with workplace stressors that can be incorporated into mental health apps to improve uptake and engagement. However, many of the preferred coping strategies identified are not those focused on by currently available apps, indicating the need for more targeted digital interventions for this group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oregon's Highway Construction Workforce Development Program aims to improve the recruitment and retention of a diverse construction workforce, through pre-apprenticeships that provide alternative pathways into apprenticeship as well as financial and non-financial retention services that aim to help apprentices complete their apprenticeships. This evaluation research examines the impact of the Program on recruitment and retention trends, drawing on administrative data from the Program as well as interviews with program participants. We find pre-apprenticeship programs have improved the recruitment of women into the trades. We further find that non-financial services, ready supplies, and childcare services have a positive impact on completion, with receipt of non-financial support having the largest impact on completion. Gas/travel services are positively associated with completion among apprentices of color. Interview data suggest that additional support services for apprentices as well as structural changes to the industry are needed to achieve construction workforce diversity goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orientation: The artisan job family is the number one area of concern with regard to filling vacancies both nationally and globally. Hence, artisanship has been identified as a scarce and critical skill. The domestic economy and the effectiveness and success of many organisations could be strengthened if the artisanal crisis is adequately addressed. Research purpose: This article proposes a screening process for organisations to use during the selection of apprentices. The selection process has four phases: application review, rating of application documentation, aptitude testing and skills-based teamwork assessment, and interviews. The effect of the selection phases on the survival of the applicants was investigated. Motivation for the study: This study adds to the limited body of literature on artisans, apprentices and the selection of individuals for these technical positions. In addition, it provides recommendations to optimise the selection process for this job family. Research design, approach and method: Large amounts of archived data from an annual apprentice selection process at a large multinational automotive firm were accessed. A quantitative measure, survival analysis, was used to assess whether the survival curves were statistically different across the groups. Main findings: The four selection phases had a significant effect on the survival time of the applicants in the selection process. The significance of the Gehan–Wilcoxon statistic suggests that the survival distribution across the applicants was not because of chance but rather indicates a true difference in the data. The constructs assessed at each phase had a significant effect on the selection success of the apprentice applicants. The termination rate of applicants was steady across all four selection phases. Practical/managerial implications: The multiple-hurdle selection process employed in this study should be replicated and employed as the national selection tool for apprentices. The use of standardised application documentation is recommended, and job preparation workshops should be provided to assist apprentice applicants. Contribution/value-add: The findings of this study are relevant to the South African automotive industry, as well as the manufacturing sector. The findings are also of value to human resource practitioners, educators, social scientists, and industrial and organisational psychologists.

Context: In the present study, we explore what motivates young adults to re-engage with education or employment after a period of non-engagement. Insights into this process facilitate the implementation of tailored support measures for at-risk groups. It is well-known that young people who are not involved in any kind of education, employment, or training face further risks to their professional and psychological development. Methods: Using a grounded theory approach, interviews with young adults from various educational tracks were analyzed, compared, and contrasted. The sample was focused mainly on apprentices in extra-vocational training and professionals working with young people to describe the process of re-engaging in detail (n = 30). Findings: Our analyses suggested that frustrating prior experiences and offers to participate in government-funded vocational training prompted motivation to learn an occupational skillset. Undergoing an apprenticeship enabled young adults to develop the motivation to finish vocational training and to plan on further education. Conclusion: The implications of these results as they pertain to Germany's labor market policies, which foster a sense of individual responsibility to facilitate the achievement of professional success, are discussed. Furthermore, the implications for supporting further educational aspirations when working with young adults are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Omaha System is one of the most applicable classification systems and can be used effectively to recognize occupational health nurse(s) in practice. Describing occupational health nurse interventions and outcomes can be an example for planning care in a specific case such as hair stylist apprentices with hand eczema symptoms by using the Omaha System. The study consists of 15 cases. The "Turkish-Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire" was used for data collection related to eczema symptoms. The assessment was made by using electronic health record system based on the Omaha System. For the 15 cases, 113 problems and 624 nursing interventions were reported. According to the Omaha System's Problem Classification Scheme, the frequently diagnosed problems were skin (100%), neighborhood/workplace safety (100%), health care supervision (67%), respiration (53%), and pain (40%). The identified intervention categories were 98.5% about teaching, guidance, and counseling; 89.2% about surveillance; and 6.4% about case management. The occupational health nursing outcomes scores were more likely to show higher level after the intervention (p <.05). The Omaha System can be effectively used in occupational healthcare settings for specific cases in workplaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: In the present study, we explore what motivates young adults to re-engage with education or employment after a period of non-engagement. Insights into this process facilitate the implementation of tailored support measures for at-risk groups. It is well-known that young people who are not involved in any kind of education, employment, or training face further risks to their professional and psychological development. Methods: Using a grounded theory approach, interviews with young adults from various educational tracks were analyzed, compared, and contrasted. The sample was focused mainly on apprentices in extra-vocational training and professionals working with young people to describe the process of re-engaging in detail (n = 30). Findings: Our analyses suggested that frustrating prior experiences and offers to participate in government-funded vocational training prompted motivation to learn an occupational skillset. Undergoing an apprenticeship enabled young adults to develop the motivation to finish vocational training and to plan on further education. Conclusion: The implications of these results as they pertain to Germany's labor market policies, which foster a sense of individual responsibility to facilitate the achievement of professional success, are discussed. Furthermore, the implications for supporting further educational aspirations when working with young adults are discussed.

Classroom management incorporates academic achievement, as well as social, emotional, collaborative, and characteristic development, which requires teachers to make good intellectual work possible. This study was aimed at investigating differences between novice and experienced teachers' perceptions of classroom management in terms of person, instruction, and discipline dimensions. The descriptive, quantitative research was conducted at a higher education institution as a case study, which involved 175 teachers basing on Slovin's formula when selecting the population. The results indicate that there is no difference when compared the respondents' age with the classroom management styles. However, novice and experienced teachers do not have their perceptions in common in the ways they manage their classes. The findings would supplement some implications for adjusting the teacher training programs in that novice teachers should spend more time on teaching practicum, internship, apprentice, and classroom observation to gather more hand-on experience from experienced teachers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orientation: Technological innovations and developments in methods of productivity have resulted in an increased demand for technically-oriented artisans. However, the supply of qualified artisans is insufficient to meet the demand. Research purpose: This article is the product of a systematic investigation into the extent and nature of empirical literature related to human resource selection practices used for apprentices. Motivation for the study: The authors noted inadequate research into the selection practices used for apprentices. This investigation was motivated by the need to systematically verify the extent and nature of the empirical literature on apprentice selection, both internationally and nationally. Research design, approach and method: A systematic literature review of published empirical research articles (for the period 1990–2020) in scholarly databases was conducted. The literature was accessed through relevant databases within the business management, human resource management and industrial psychology fields. The literature was restricted to scholarly (i.e., peer reviewed journals), English full textual data. Twelve combinations of two clusters of key words were used in the search function. The first cluster was apprentice, apprenticeship and artisan, with the second cluster being selection, selection process, staffing and recruitment. Four exclusion categories were used to reject literature that were unrelated, dissimilar and unconnected with the purpose of the literature review. Main findings: From the comprehensive review of the literature, 12 articles were found to have content related to the selection of apprentices. Five core themes, with 11 sub-themes, were identified from this literature. A research agenda is proposed with research questions identified for each theme. Practical/managerial implications: This literature review has provided a synthesised summary of the available literature on apprentice selection. Through the provision of a research agenda, this article contributes by providing a foundation for further research in the field. Contribution/value-add: This article adds to the current literature available on apprentice selection practices. This should alert researchers of the need to further explore this area to enhance knowledge and understanding of the best practices employed in the selection of apprentices.

This descriptive study aimed to investigate the impact of part-time employment on the academic performance of students at secondary level. It was conducted in 106 Government high and higher secondary schools of district Peshawar. The sample consisted of 320 teachers. The questionnaire was designed to get perceptions of the teachers. The collected data was analyzed by using percentages. The analysis of the studyrevealed part-time employed students neither attended the school regularly nor managed their academic activities properly which caused their unsatisfactory academic performance and lack of participation in co-curricular activities. Teachers also faceddifficulties at the hand of such students. Almost half of the respondents did not agree with the idea of doing parttime employment of the students at secondary level. The teachers suggested the alternative that Government should grant funds and introduce new institutes for providing vocational and technical trainings.Part-time employmentenabledthem to fulfill their needs and continue their studies.Moral, social, financial and cultural impact on secondary school students were also investigated using validated tools and techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transferring knowledge from experts to apprentices is critical for sustaining a company's competitive advantage. Further, existing literature indicates that employees in the Millennial (Y) generation and Generation Z prefer collaboration in the work environment. To address such needs, this research study aims to analyze the factors that enable knowledge collaboration among apprentices and experts in the practice of engineering. Survey data collected from 138 apprentices in the practice of engineering revealed that apprentices are more likely to collaborate with experts within their companies when they can trust the experts and perceive support for collaboration from senior management. This research adds to the body of knowledge by explicitly addressing apprentices' trust, senior management support, intrinsic motivation, and knowledge collaboration with experts. Engineering managers can use this article to utilize trust, support from senior management, and employee's intrinsic motivation to increase knowledge collaboration success among engineering experts and apprentices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article the author problematizes Locke's Some Thoughts Concerning Education and critically re-examines Locke's educational philosophy. By elaborating Locke's Thoughts on the basis of particular and verified reasons, the article concludes that Locke's educational philosophy is closely related to his understanding of liberty and the role of an individual in a political community. Although in his Thoughts Locke did not focus on the question of what education is in order to elaborate on the problem of education, he nevertheless philosophically focused on the question of why and how to educate, that is, he seeks to determine what the goal of education is. In this sense, he found that education primarily serves to strengthen an apprentice's moral identity and natural character, and offers a number of practical suggestions on how to educate. While on the other hand, Locke sees the ultimate meaning of why to educate in the function of a good education that will prepare an apprentice for free and full political participation in the life of a political community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewing our understanding of the relationship between teaching and mentoring can advance our practice as educators and improve student outcomes. As we strengthen connections between the classroom and the workplace, we contextualize students' learning and provide the tools for success both academically and professionally. This article provides a historical and theoretical foundation for mentoring in higher education, accompanied by concrete strategies and suggestions for implementing a mentoring program and encouraging individual faculty members to expand their pedagogical practice by engaging in mentoring through their daily interactions with students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apprentices in many sectors are exposed to increased health risks and show low levels of physical activity (PA). Environmental and policy approaches seem to be promising tools for PA promotion as they can positively influence the context in which PA occurs. This article reports results from a German research project (2015–2018) that developed and implemented measures for PA promotion in the field of vocational education (VE). A participatory approach—cooperative planning (COP)—involving researchers as well as stakeholders from policy and practice was used in two VE settings—nursing care and automotive mechatronics. We assessed the extent to which new capacities for PA promotion were created by conducting semi-structured interviews with stakeholders from both sectors (n  =   12) and one group interview with nursing students (n  =   4). Transcripts were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Findings show that new capacities were created mainly in the form of resources and opportunities and that several measures for PA promotion (e.g. a regular lesson on the issue of PA and health and a tutoring system) were successfully integrated into VE routines. However, establishing new organizational goals and obligations appeared to be challenging. Moreover, the article presents influencing factors, such as the participation of the main actors that strongly supported the process of capacity building within their organization. We conclude that COP seems promising in creating new capacities for PA promotion in the field of VE, and therefore has the potential to promote a physically active lifestyle among apprentices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Young people are at heightened risk for mental health problems. Apprenticeships are common pathways into the workforce at a critical developmental period. However, in some cases the working conditions for apprentices present significant challenges to mental wellness. As apprentices are unlikely to utilize traditional services, eHealth and mHealth interventions are a useful means of delivering interventions to this group. The aim of the current paper is to: (1) qualitatively explore the utility of an existing mental health app within an apprentice population; and (2) evaluate the usability, acceptability, feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a modified version of the app (HeadGear Apprentice), designed to reduce depressive symptoms in an apprentice working population.Methods: Study One: Twenty-six apprentices (aged 18–30) took part in one of eight (90-min) focus groups. Participants explored the HeadGear app, took part in group discussions, and completed uMARS questionnaires. Modifications were made to the app based on feedback. Study Two: In the follow-up pilot testing, 47 apprentices downloaded and used the modified app over 30 days. Assessment occurred online at baseline, 5-weeks, and 3-months post-baseline. Feasibility was evaluated using consent rates, adherence and attrition. Acceptability was assessed using questionnaires and a post-study interview. Depression, anxiety, well-being, and work performance scores were used to assess preliminary efficacy.Results: Overall, the app was well-received in both studies, with high self-reported scores for acceptability and utility. However, engagement—both in terms of self-report and adherence—was an issue in both studies. In Study Two, users completed approximately one-third of the app's therapeutic content, with increased usage associated with improved outcomes. This had implications for the preliminary effectiveness of the app [depression as measured by the PHQ-9 Cohen's d = 0.27 (95%CI:-0.16–0.69)]. At follow-up users reported improvements in all outcomes, but overall only change in well-being reached statistical significance [Cohen's d = −0.29 (95%CI:-0.72–0.14)].Conclusion: Overall, findings from the two studies suggest that an eHealth tool, HeadGear Apprentice, was an acceptable and well-received intervention when adapted to young apprentices. However, questions remain regarding how to improve engagement and adherence to the program. These questions appear critical to effectiveness. The two studies also have implications for awareness raising in this population. Whilst preliminary results were encouraging, these improvements, along with a full-scale efficacy trial, are needed to better understand the utility of smartphone applications for mental health in this population.Trial registration: ACTRN12618001475235 https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=375875&isReview=true.

The clinical features and outcomes of hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis (HTG-AP) are not well-established. To evaluate the clinical characteristics of HTG-AP in an international, multicenter prospective cohort. Data collection was conducted prospectively through APPRENTICE between 2015 and 2018. HTG-AP was defined as serum TG levels >500 mg/dl in the absence of other common etiologies of AP. Three multivariate logistic regression models were performed to assess whether HTG-AP is associated with SIRS positive status, ICU admission and/or moderately-severe/severe AP. 1,478 patients were included in the study; 69 subjects (4.7%) were diagnosed with HTG-AP. HTG-AP patients were more likely to be younger (mean 40 vs 50 years; p < 0.001), male (67% vs 52%; p = 0.018), and with a higher BMI (mean 30.4 vs 27.5 kg/m2; p = 0.0002). HTG-AP subjects reported more frequent active alcohol use (71% vs 49%; p < 0.001), and diabetes mellitus (59% vs 15%; p < 0.001). None of the above risk factors/variables was found to be independently associated with SIRS positive status, ICU admission, or severity in the multivariate logistic regression models. These results were similar when including only the 785 subjects with TG levels measured within 48 h from admission. HTG-AP was found to be the 4th most common etiology of AP. HTG-AP patients had distinct baseline characteristics, but their clinical outcomes were similar compared to other etiologies of AP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate students' learning journeys across the duration of a new registered nurse degree apprenticeship programme and to develop an understanding of the contextual factors, mechanisms and outcomes involved. Registered nurses are the largest group of healthcare workers globally, but shortages exist. To encourage existing UK healthcare employees into nursing, national investment was made into Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeships. In 2018 a UK health service organisation and a university collaboration led to development of a nursing degree apprenticeship programme. Research into these novel undergraduate programmes in nursing is lacking, with scarce evidence or understanding of processes and experiences involved in such programmes. An exploratory qualitative design informed by realistic evaluation was employed. Three sequential semi-structured interviews were conducted with an entire cohort (n=8) across the 18-month programme (24 interviews). Focused interviews were also undertaken with practice assessors (n=8) involved in the apprentices' journey. Initial thematic analysis was followed by application of Realist Evaluation principles and a temporal lens to move beyond qualitative description. Analysis identified four interrelated temporal themes, each comprising contextual factors, mechanisms and outcomes acting to inhibit or facilitate transition across the apprenticeship journey: (1) Starting out (Latent Ambition, enhanced motivation and expectations) : programme availability and conditions enabled enactment of ambitions to become qualified nurses, preconceived assumptions regarding roles influenced expectations. (2) Initial stages (Identity dissonance, transition to academia, becoming a student nurse) related to changing identity and re-conceptualisation of their role to student nurse, alongside transitioning into higher education. (3) Travelling through (Being an apprentice, social capital, self-efficacy and confidence) facilitated confident integration into placements, although over confidence could be risky. Academic struggles prompted some episodes of emotional dissonance. (4) Moving beyond to become registered nurses (Confidence, empowerment and loyalty in the transition to becoming a nurse) saw apprentices transform, with revised understandings of nursing, increased empowerment and self-efficacy. All expressed gratitude and loyalty for the apprenticeship opportunity, with all securing jobs in their employing organisation. This study is one of the first of its kind, providing detailed insight into processes experienced by students over the duration of a novel apprenticeship programme. Analysis identified several factors that facilitated and inhibited progress in participants' 'learning journeys', mapping context, mechanism, outcome configurations which came into play at various stages. These were influential in successful completion of the programme by all apprentices, resulting in the development of competent Registered Nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A historical overview from Sumerians to the present day on the goldsmith’s craft following two lines: the apprenticeship in the guilds and the ethical and religious value of gold working.

Cardiovascular medicine and practice in recent times have evolved as complex procedures are performed to manage difficult cases. The majority of these interventions are done percutaneously in order to minimize patient risk. Additionally, training specialist in handling these interventions require a lot of exposure to them; as such, patients are at higher risk of errors and complications from trainees before attaining expertise. In order to avoid these possible risks to patients and ensure their safety, using simulation commonly in cardiovascular specialist education is a possible trend in the future. This article aims to review randomized controlled trials that were performed in cardiology and vascular medicine regarding the use of simulating models to transfer skills to trainees. This study is a systematic review that includes publications dated from 2010 from any country and only in English. The search involved several combinations of search terms from medical subject headings (MeSH). Keywords in the title, abstract, and text for the population, intervention, control, and outcomes were first done in a pilot search to establish the sensitivity of the search strategy. Studies were searched in PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL, and Hirani. Data were presented in the PRISMA flowchart and tabular form. A total of 389 studies were obtained from five databases using the search strategies. Eighty-nine studies were excluded for duplication. The total number of studies that did not meet the inclusion criteria was 269, and they were excluded based on abstract and title screening. Another 18 studies were excluded based on full-text screening. In this study, 13 articles were selected ranging from 2011 to 2022. The majority of the outcomes of the study demonstrated that simulation tutoring complements traditional methods of training. Countries of publication were the United States of America, Canada, Italy, Korea, California, Ireland, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Netherlands, and France. Procedures simulated include coronary angiography, transseptal catheterization, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, ultrasound-guided radial artery cannulation, diagnostic angiograms, coiled carotid terminus aneurysms in the setting of subarachnoid hemorrhage, middle cerebral artery embolectomies, renal artery angioplasty/stenting, endovascular aneurysm repair, transvenous pacing wire, intra-aortic balloon pump, and pericardiocentesis. Despite the accredited drawback of availability and cost noted with simulation-based education, there is evidence that it offers many advantages compared to traditional teaching methods. From this study, simulation-based teaching has been shown to effectively transfer skills to trainees especially when used as an adjunct to the apprenticeship method. As a result, we recommend that virtual reality education should be integrated with real-life teaching in modern cardiovascular modules as this will help ensure early skill transfer while maintaining patient safety., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2023, Kweki et al.)

Context: We addressed the issue of person-job-fit by focussing on both professional success and work satisfaction. Publications studying the predictive validity of (cognitive) ability, personality, or vocational interest alone have shown relationships with professional success or work satisfaction for each predictor separately. Nevertheless, these predictors have rarely been studied simultaneously. Methods: To this end we tested the incremental validity of abilities, traits, and interests in a sample from diverse occupations: In 648 apprentices and students from five different branches (Food, Tech, People, Office, Craft) the (incremental) contributions of 3 intelligence factors (verbal, numerical, spatial), 3 alternative abilities (social-emotional, creative, practical), 4 conscientiousness facets, other big five factors (O, E, A, N), and of 14 professional interests were analysed regarding prediction of GPA in professional schools and school/job satisfaction. Results: Intelligence and conscientiousness were best predictors, followed by social-emotional competence and interests, whereas other traits provided marginal contributions. Predictors varied between branches, mostly following expectations. The test battery allowed a very good prediction of apprenticeship success (max. 37%), but for some branches prediction was considerably lower. Conclusion: Criteria for person-job-fit are not swappable, neither are the predictors. Professional success was mostly predicted by a different predictor set -namely ability and the personality dimension of conscientiousness- then satisfaction, which was mostly predicted by non-interest in a certain occupation. As a practical implication, we conclude that choosing the right candidate for a certain branch one needs to use a broad set of predictor variables. Besides cognitive ability also personality and vocational interests had predictive validity for an individuals person-job-fit.

To increase the chances of integrating youth into labour markets in contemporary European knowledge societies, many policy schemes are geared towards investing in youth's human capital. Since apprenticeship systems are assumed to ease school‐to‐work transitions, this seems a particularly promising avenue. However, research highlights that social policies often do not reach the most disadvantaged members of society. The aim of this article is to shed light on the reasons and mechanisms causing this phenomenon, called the Matthew effect, through a single, embedded case study of a vocational education and training programme for disadvantaged youth in Switzerland. The findings highlight cream‐skimming practices as a coping strategy enabling frontline workers to satisfy strict assessment criteria. A budgetary allocation driven politico‐administrative logic promotes such practices as a means to generate solid results, so as to safeguard political – and thus financial – support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article applies van Gestel and Nyberg's framework to analyse employers' decisions about whether to engage in policies to help young people into work. The article identifies two main logics underpinning organisational decision making: an HR logic and a corporate social responsibility (CSR) logic. It is argued that engaged employers see a clear alignment in those logics, whereas less engaged employers see few advantages in one, the other or both areas. When this analysis is located within an institutional context that accounts for the agency of key actors, it is argued these logics explain decisions about whether or not to engage with particular labour market policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a growing body of research interrogating the discursive construction of ‘rural’ in negative terms – as lacking, in decline or in crisis. This paper contributes to this body of literature by taking as its point of departure skilled trades training in Canada’s most easterly province, Newfoundland and Labrador. To meet the labour demand associated with industrial projects in rural and remote areas, the provincial government has invested in strategies to encourage youth to enrol in certified training programmes in the skilled trades. This paper examines the contradictory and incomplete ways in which individualized labour market subjects are produced through a combination of economic restructuring and government policy initiatives related to training and apprenticeships, and considers what this means for how young people think about and experience the rural. I argue that rural places are largely framed in economic terms, either as in decline and crisis or as industrial sites of resource extraction, and that by discursively linking youth outmigration and skilled labour shortages, the sustainability of rural places and the province is individualized and downloaded onto youth, ignoring the structured inequalities that mediate access to training and employment. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Historically in South Africa, apprentice training towards artisanship in the engineering trades has been characterised by a sharp separation between theoretical studies undertaken in a technical and vocational education and training (TVET) college and subsequent practical training undertaken in a workshop or through industry placement. TVET colleges have been critiqued by industry for the lack of practical training that supports theoretical study at the college, resulting in work placements where learners require extensive supervision and mentoring. To mediate this, an external agency, the Access Trust, a non-profit organisation in South Africa, offered students enrolled at TVET colleges in engineering trades, funding for additional practical training as well as in-course and job placement support to improve their chances of employment. Four student cohorts were recruited into college engineering courses in staggered intakes and completed a range of formal accredited theory courses, supplemented by industry-recognised practical training phases. This practical phase training is available at some TVET colleges but is not part of the formally subsidised training programme, is expensive to undertake, and has to be privately funded. This article reports on research conducted to gauge the impact of supplementary practical training on the employability of TVET college engineering graduates. The research focused on the design of the intervention that supported students in obtaining employment; the extent to which industry accords relevance to the theoretical curriculum offered by TVET colleges; and the curriculum enhancements implemented to address what were understood to be industry needs. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: We have established a multicenter international consortium to better understand the natural history of acute pancreatitis (AP) worldwide and to develop a platform for future randomized clinical trials. Methods: The AP patient registry to examine novel therapies in clinical experience (APPRENTICE) was formed in July 2014. Detailed web-based questionnaires were then developed to prospectively capture information on demographics, etiology, pancreatitis history, comorbidities, risk factors, severity biomarkers, severity indices, health-care utilization, management strategies, and outcomes of AP patients. Results: Between November 2015 and September 2016, a total of 20 sites (8 in the United States, 5 in Europe, 3 in South America, 2 in Mexico and 2 in India) prospectively enrolled 509 AP patients. All data were entered into the REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture) database by participating centers and systematically reviewed by the coordinating site (University of Pittsburgh). The approaches and methodology are described in detail, along with an interim report on the demographic results. Conclusion: APPRENTICE, an international collaboration of tertiary AP centers throughout the world, has demonstrated the feasibility of building a large, prospective, multicenter patient registry to study AP. Analysis of the collected data may provide a greater understanding of AP and APPRENTICE will serve as a future platform for randomized clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]