Impact of entrepreneurship education on entrepreneurial intent at further education and training (FET) colleges in South Africa

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to investigate the impact of entrepreneurship education on entrepreneurial intent at FET colleges. The background to the study is guided by the action plans detailed in the national development plan to increase the capacity of the post college sector and the drive to improve early stage entrepreneurial training. The proposed research has contextual value and urgency for both business and academia given the level of youth unemployment, quality of education and South Africa’s below average Total Entrepreneurial Activity (TEA) rate. The literature review on entrepreneurship education learning and teaching framework, measurement of entrepreneurial intent and the impact of entrepreneurship suggest that entrepreneurship programs have a positive impact on entrepreneurial behaviour. Three hypothesis were tested, the research hypothesis are H1: Learner satisfaction with the entrepreneurship curriculum has a positive effect on entrepreneurial intentions for FET College students. H2: Inclusion of experiential learning and practical exposure in the teaching and delivery methods has a positive effect on entrepreneurial intent. H3: Entrepreneurship education at FET College has a positive effect in promoting entrepreneurship as a career choice. The research findings concluded that there is a positive relationship between entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurial intent at FET colleges. The literature that encourages a combination of learning the start-up process and entrepreneurial activity is well supported. In addition, the entrepreneurship education program seems to have a positive relationship in promoting entrepreneurial career. The level of experiential learning and practical exposure was highlighted as a concern. Suggestions for future research were made to investigate level of experiential learning.