Apprenticeship in Latin America : the INACAP program in Chile; a case study

After introductory sections on apprenticeship programs in Latin America and on the study"s methodology and theoretical framework, major research findings are presented on: basic characteristics of the trainees; the relationship among apprenticeship, employment, and earnings; the apprenticeship experience; and the employment status of INACAP graduates and their earnings determinants. After an analysis of these findings, INACAP"s program is evaluated in terms of observed costs and benefits and social and private rate of return. A final chapter presents conclusions and implications for policy. These include, inter alia, that under some circumstances an out-of-school program may achieve economic and social benefits similar to those of formal secondary schooling, but that, contrary to popular belief, the latter is more cost-effective and that teaching a core of technical subjects well is better than teaching a wide variety of subjects. A 30-item bibliography (1961-79) is appended.