The role of entrepreneurship education in preparing future entrepreneurs : a case of third-year diploma students at a selected university of technology

Abstract

Many developing countries, such as South Africa experience high levels of unemployment rate (32.1%), with an unemployment rate among graduates sitting at 44.3%. This has led to entrepreneurship education emerging as a crucial tool for economic empowerment and job creation. Despite this, the current entrepreneurship programmes in South African universities often fall short in providing students with the essential skills needed to thrive in today's competitive business environment. Tertiary institutions have the responsibility of offering entrepreneurship courses to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge. One major issue in South Africa is the lack of sufficient entrepreneurship qualifications to develop students with abilities for the entrepreneurial sector. To address this issue and combat unemployment among South African graduates, there is a need to evaluate the effectiveness of entrepreneurship programmes currently in place at a selected university of technology. This research aimed to investigate the impact of entrepreneurship education on enhancing students' entrepreneurial skills and aspirations. A quantitative research approach was followed in this study, aligning with the positivism research philosophy. The sample for the study was 269 undergraduate students who were registered for entrepreneurial modules, which were chosen using a nonprobability purposive sampling method. The research findings revealed shortcomings in the university's entrepreneurial education programmes, particularly in adequately supporting students' entrepreneurial aspirations and providing them with the necessary access to modern technological tools essential for succeeding in a digitally driven business environment. The study recommended that educational institutions pay more attention to nurturing students' entrepreneurial development to enhance their skills and ambitions, ultimately playing a more significant role in addressing the escalating unemployment rates in South Africa. The study further recommended that it is the importance of maintaining a conducive environment that fosters entrepreneurial abilities and equips students with the necessary tools and resources to thrive in the competitive business landscape. Universities should update their entrepreneurship syllabuses to help students succeed in acquiring entrepreneurship knowledge. In addition to improving the curriculum, new teaching methods in line with current industry trends should be employed. This will ensure that students have the practical skills they need for business. By incorporating innovative teaching methodologies and practical experiences, higher education institutions can empower students to develop a robust entrepreneurial mindset and be ready to enter the dynamic business world. The study underscored the importance of integrating entrepreneurship modules into a full academic qualification to ensure that students receive comprehensive training and guidance in realising their entrepreneurial ambitions. This holistic approach transforms students into proactive and resourceful individuals capable of leveraging opportunities and overcoming obstacles in the cut-throat business environment. Therefore, the study concluded that a paradigm shift should be considered where higher education institutions prioritise student entrepreneurial growth and fostering a culture of innovation and creativity. By addressing the current gaps in entrepreneurial education, universities can play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of entrepreneurs who are well-equipped to drive economic growth and development in South Africa.