Office of Postgraduate Studies and Research
presents
An Exploration of Entrepreneurship Education in Technical Vocational Education Training Institutions

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and Entrepreneurship education have always been used as a vehicle towards economic and social transformation within many nations. With this in mind, the research investigates the entrepreneurship education practices in TVET institutions in Trinidad and Tobago (T&T).

A quantitative study utilising a face to face survey was conducted with 446 TVET students from four (4) TVET institutions, from all geographical locations in T&T. Correlation analysis and logistic regression were performed to assess the views and significant relationships involving students’ interest and entrepreneurship education practices. The results of this study have important implications for TVET institutions. Students’ interest in pursuing entrepreneurship education was very high and it tells a very good narrative that persons want to be an entrepreneur. However, with the absence of an adequate platform or systems at the TVET institutions, students are not allowed to engage in entrepreneurial paths in any significant way.

The researcher also utilised qualitative data to gather data from stakeholders within TVET institutions. The data was put forward by way of a thematic analysis approach. Focus groups and interviews were used to extract many details, which gave the study deep and rich insights on TVET, and the challenges emanating at present. Two main themes emerged from the data: challenges and resources. These two areas were further broken down into sub-themes.

The study also showed that TVET institutions are incapable of treating with some of the issues they faced, and it requires intervention from the Central Government to address the macro problems that plague TVET.