Apprenticeship and Child Labour Sibi
Child labour is widespread in the district. The artisans, including carpenters, blacksmiths, mechanics, barbers and tailors, employ children and adolescents as apprentices. They are nominally paid and the period of apprenticeship may stretch from two to four or five years. Every shop of artisans has at least one apprentice, while most have two or more.
Children also work in brick making. They are not employed by the brick kilns owners., but come along with their fathers, who work on contract, to assist them-
Boys aged 8 to 16 are employed on a full time basis in most commercial establishments found in the district. They are paid Rs. 40 - 50 per day. Boys of this age group are also seen carrying on petty trades of their own, selling sweets, ganderee, fruits, cigarettes, etc. Besides, this age group is an active participant in the family business.