Technical Education and Job Creation: A Moderating Analysis of Entrepreneurial Mindset: A Case Study of Undergraduate Trainees Of Bonny Vocational Centre, Rivers State
Anochie Ngozi Chiamaka, Evelyn. I. Alabintei-Ignis, Nwokwu Ikpechukwu Jonathan
Abstract
In the face of rising unemployment and dynamic global economic shifts, fostering job creation through entrepreneurial initiatives and skills acquisition for the youth by corporate bodies and government agencies at all levels has become a critical development strategy for sustainability. Despite the increase in youth empowerment through technical education, the country still faces a high rate of youth unemployment, estimated at 42.5% in 2023. Although numerous studies have been conducted on the impact of technical training and job creation among youths, none have underscored the moderating impact of an entrepreneurial mindset and innovative research on job creation to address the socio-economic problems associated with youth unemployment in the country. Hence, this study investigates the moderating effect of an entrepreneurial mindset on the relationship between technical education and job creation (A Case Study of Undergraduate Students of BVC, Rivers State). Using the Taro Yamani formula, the study employs a sample of 104 respondents comprising undergraduate trainees in the Bonny Vocational Centre. A 21-item structured questionnaire is used to collect data from the respondents, while regression analysis is employed to analyse the data. The results of the analysis indicate that an entrepreneurial mindset has a strong moderating effect on the correlation between technical education and job creation. In line with this, the study recommends enhancing youth-focused training on entrepreneurship and research innovation, as well as creating a regular framework to support the growth of youth enterprise start-ups and research commercialization.
Keywords
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