Apprentices’ Affective Occupational Commitment During Vocational Education and Training

Abstract

Affective occupational commitment (AOC) during training is considered to prevent occupational turnover and positively influence later work-related outcomes and learning processes. However, little is known about AOC development in a training context. This study examines antecedents and consequences of AOC and its development during vocational education and training. Participants were 497 Swiss apprentices who took part in a longitudinal survey throughout their 3-year training program. The results of latent growth curve modeling showed a slight average decrease in AOC over time. Initial AOC was negatively related to occupational turnover intention and positively related to satisfaction with the apprenticeship. Perceived person–occupation fit and feelings of competence during in-company training were positively correlated with initial AOC. Change in AOC was the smallest when apprentices felt autonomous and larger when they felt competent. The results indicate how in-company training environments can be arranged that foster apprentices’ AOC.