The moderating effect of gender on the relationship between apprenticeship and self-employment: evidence from a developing country

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the association between apprenticeship training and self-employment and how gender moderates the association.

Design/methodology/approach

Secondary data from the World Bank’s Skills Towards Employment and Productivity (STEP) survey on Ghana were analysed using a binary choice (logit regression) model. The STEP survey drew its nationally representative sample from the working-age population (15–64 years) in urban areas.

Findings

After controlling for several factors identified in the literature as determinants of self-employment, the results indicate that completing apprenticeship training increases the likelihood of being self-employed. However, women who have completed apprenticeship training are more likely to be self-employed than men.

Originality/value

By examining the moderating effect of gender on the association between apprenticeship training and self-employment, this study has offered new evidence that policymakers can use to promote self-employment, especially among women, to reduce the entrepreneurial gap between men and women.

Citation

Mohammed, I., Abdul Rahaman, W., Darku, A.B. and Baah-Boateng, W. (2024), "The moderating effect of gender on the relationship between apprenticeship and self-employment: evidence from a developing country", Journal of Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies, Vol. 16 No. 5, pp. 1431-1451. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEEE-10-2022-0321