Positive Impact of Entrepreneurship Training on Entrepreneurial Behavior in a Vocational Training Setting

Abstract

Unemployment among youths is a serious problem in many African countries. Researchers and politicians alike consider entrepreneurship to be part of the solution to the high unemployment rates. In this study, we present the conceptual basis of an action-oriented entrepreneurship training program and provide evidence for its positive impact on trainees’ entrepreneurial behavior in a vocational training setting. Furthermore, we present a case study that illustrates how a vocational training institute successfully implemented the training. The case study demonstrates the long-lasting effects achieved by a vocational training institute to promote entrepreneurship among its trainees. Our study shows that entrepreneurship training boosts entrepreneurship among youths, creates jobs, and leads to income generating activities. Furthermore, our study indicates that entrepreneurship training can be successfully integrated into vocational training settings when the training institutions take over responsibility, keep the conceptual core of the training (that is the practical and action-oriented approach of the training), and tailor the overarching framework of the training according to their specific needs.