Role of Entrepreneurship Education on Self-Employment in Tanzania: Case of Vocational Institutions Graduates

Abstract

This study examined the impact of entrepreneurship education curriculum on self-employment in Tanzania, specifically examining whether skills development for trainees in vocational training institutions contributes significantly to economic growth. Data for this study was collected from a sample of 118 trainees from the fitter mechanics, electrical installation, and motor vehicle mechanics trades at the Chang’ombe Regional Vocational Training Institution in the Dar es Salaam region, using a questionnaire and employing a descriptive design. The chi-square model, implemented through SPSS version 25, was used to determine the relationship between entrepreneurship education taught in vocational institutions and students’ perception of their future careers. The findings indicated that vocational entrepreneurship education is knowledge and skills-based, thereby enhancing learners' competencies for self-employability. Additionally, student’s exhibited positive attitudes towards entrepreneurship education, and a significant relationship exists between students’ perception of entrepreneurship and their future careers. This study recommends that future researchers conduct in-depth case studies of successful self-employment ventures initiated by graduates of vocational training institutions who have undergone entrepreneurship education. Such studies can help identify key factors contributing to success and inform future reforms of entrepreneurship education curriculum