Entrepreneurship in vocational degrees : the missing link

Abstract

This paper explores whether the trades teaching curriculum focuses sufficiently on the entrepreneurial skills needed by present day vocational graduates, as evidence indicates that inclusion of entrepreneurial activities or even basic business skills are limited or non-existent. According to recent studies, degrees are failing to assure employment, high earnings, and upward social mobility for graduates unless they are able to operate within a commercial environment.

In order to investigate this situation two data sources were analysed from the case study of a Bachelor of Applied Technology degree:

Firstly, the extent to which course Learning Outcomes showed direct entrepreneurship content or demonstrated links to basic business practice.

Secondly, whether entrepreneurship was subsequently examined in any of the related Assessment packages.

It was clear from this analysis that many courses lacked any business practice in their curriculum content and furthermore, even where it did exist, there was a disconnection between the outcomes and their assessment. It became obvious that the programme did not satisfactorily meet the entrepreneurial needs of future employers. It is therefore recommended that in order to equip students with effective workplace learning practices, more emphasis on business skills is required to improve both cognitive development, and also to add value to the industry they will work in. Educational institutes through planned curriculum development can increase the quality and quantity of potential entrepreneurs and this will impact on their ability to operate in business.

This paper recommends strategies for addressing the identified gaps