The research, led by Bruno Crépon, Eva Lestant, and Patrick Premand, followed young Ivorians for seven years after they were randomly selected to join a dual apprenticeship program. The results show lasting income gains and a clear reduction in working poverty.
Apprentices signed contracts and received a small monthly stipend, equal to about half the legal minimum wage, to help cover transportation and meals. They also received insurance and work equipment. Their skills were monitored throughout the program, and they could earn certification at the end.
Earnings Rise and Poverty Falls
During the apprenticeship itself, participants did not earn more than others. The stipend replaced the income they might have made elsewhere. But the difference became clear after the training ended.
Most importantly, the gains were not limited to a few top earners. The entire earnings distribution shifted upward. The share of youth earning less than half the minimum wage fell by about 20 percent among those who completed the apprenticeship. The share earning below the minimum wage dropped by 11 percent. Fewer young people were stuck in the lowest-paying jobs.
The income boost came mainly from self-employment. Youth who completed apprenticeships earned much more from their own small businesses and informal activities. Their hourly earnings increased by around 15 percent, suggesting they were becoming more productive rather than simply working longer hours.
A Promising Model for Informal Economies
The program costs about US$1,180 per participant. Based on earnings gains observed up to five years after completion, it had not yet fully paid for itself. However, if the higher earnings continue even for several more years, the program becomes cost-effective.
For policymakers across Africa and other developing regions, the lesson is powerful. Training that combines real workplace experience with structured classroom learning can raise incomes, reduce working poverty, and deliver lasting results. In places where nearly everyone works but too few earn enough, helping youth upgrade their skills may be one of the most practical paths from training to earning.
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