Global Educational Research Journal

The Influence of Technical and Vocational Education and Training on Entrepreneurial and Job Opportunities in Asella Town

Abstract

Accepted 21^st May, 2016

The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the Effect of technical and vocational education and training on Entrepreneurial and job opportunities:  the case of Asella Town. The descriptive survey was used for the study. Five research questions guided the study. The simple random and purposive sampling technique was used. A sample size of 102 was drawn from Athlete kenenisa TVET college’s Instructors and ten selected small and micro enterprises found in Asella Town. Athlete kenenisa TVET college’s total Instructors were 155, then from total population 40% (62) was randomly selected and four management personnel from each of the ten selected SMEs (40) were purposely selected. Data were collected through the use of questionnaire which was based on a 5-point likert scale and interview.  The data gathered were organized, tabulated, analyzed and presented by using descriptive statistical analysis (SPSS software 20 version). The arithmetic mean was used at a decision point of 3.0. The implication was that a mean value above 3.0 was considered as ‘agree’ and values below 3.0 as ’disagree’. The study revealed that the employment and entrepreneurial opportunity of TVET graduates was greater than academic higher institutions, however, trainees were not well informed and trained about Entrepreneurship (Business Ventures) in their regular occupational program, practical or competency based training system is not effectively performed and industry attachment with TVET Institutes is not strong enough in delivering practical (world of work) based training, TVET Institutes have no well-organized technology accumulation and transfer program during training delivery which can promote Entrepreneurial spirit in the society, and the vocational graduates lack communication, interpersonal, critical thinking and problem solving skills. Recommendation were made for TVET institutes, stake holders (Industries), and trainees concerning to effective industrial attachment scheme that can enable vocational graduates to identify and gain employment and entrepreneurial skills and etc.

Keywords: Competency based training, Entrepreneurial skills, Employment, industrial attachment, and Vocational education and training