Evaluation of Employee Training Programmes in the Mining Industry: Evidence from Enugu and Anambra States, South East Nigeria

Employee training is a foundational element of safety culture and technical competency in the mining industry, yet the adequacy of training programmes in Nigeria's South East mining operations has not been systematically evaluated. This study evaluates the design, delivery, and outcomes of employee training programmes at mining operations in Enugu and Anambra States, South East Nigeria. Data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 220 mine workers and supervisors and in-depth interviews with training coordinators and human resources managers at eight operations. Training content, frequency, mode of delivery, assessment methods, and links to incident reduction were evaluated. Findings indicate that formal induction training is provided at 75 percent of operations, but periodic refresher training is conducted in fewer than 40 percent of cases. Training curricula are predominantly generic and fail to address site-specific hazards. Workers with less than two years of service account for 68 percent of reported lost-time incidents, suggesting insufficient on-boarding training. Literacy barriers among a portion of the workforce limit the effectiveness of text-based training materials. Recommendations include the development of visual and vernacular-language safety training resources, mandatory competency-based certification for equipment operators, and investment in trainthe-trainer programmes to build internal training capacity. Keywords: employee training, mining industry, Enugu State, Anambra State, safety culture.