Abede Mack | St Francis Xavier University (Nova Scotia, Canada) (original) (raw)

Papers by Abede Mack

Research Square (Research Square), Mar 22, 2024

Entrepreneurship Education and Pedagogy

Entrepreneurship promotion continues to be an important domain for economic policy and growth. Cl... more Entrepreneurship promotion continues to be an important domain for economic policy and growth. Closely related to entrepreneurship promotion are the very individuals engaging with entrepreneurship, whose belief and efforts to succeed are highly correlated with their view that they ‘have what it takes”, measured as entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE). ESE has thus become a critical factor toward understanding entrepreneurship support. However, most extant scholarship focuses on formal and university education, while little is said about incorporating entrepreneurship and ESE with technical vocational education and training (TVET) to develop entrepreneurs. This is surprising because so many micro and small businesses, particularly trades, are heavily anchored in TVET. This study compares academic and TVET post-secondary students in Trinidad and Tobago to determine the factors that enhance their ESE. Data emerged from three (3) regression models explaining how academic and TVET student...

Caribbean Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies , 2023

Technical Vocational Education and Training programmes (TVET) are an important component in devel... more Technical Vocational Education and Training programmes (TVET) are an important component in developing many countries economically and socially. We studied factors influencing students' decisions to pursue a TVET-related career path in Antigua and Barbuda. The research was carried out at the Light Path Secondary School using qualitative data, adopting document analysis and interviews with teachers, administrators and parents. Our work found several factors influencing students' choice of TVET subject. From our study three (3) themes emerged. The first theme was stigma and a lack of adequate resources, which were classified as challenges. Parental guidance and students' interests were additional factors categorised as influencers. Our last theme, benefits, saw entrepreneurship as a possible mechanism to help students in their career quest. It was concluded that career guidance and TVET courses at the secondary school level are not meeting students' needs, which negatively impact their interest in pursuing these courses.

Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 2021

Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) serves as a pillar for economic stability glob... more Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) serves as a pillar for economic stability globally. Entrepreneurship education provides young people with essential skills that can be used in a positive manner, thus enabling them to be employers rather than employees. Marrying TVET and entrepreneurship education can help Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) in tremendous ways. These two subjects TVET and entrepreneurship can lift T&T to global prestige. Given this context, the study explored the benefits of exposing Post-Secondary TVET students to entrepreneurial training. An investigation was carried out using a mix-methods approach. The use of regression analysis and Spearman’s Correlation Analysis were used that determine the relationship between exposing Post-Secondary Technical Vocational Education and Training Students (PSTVETS) to entrepreneurship education and their interest in entrepreneurial training. Additionally, qualitative data was incorporated by utilising content analysis, fo...

Journal of Technical Education and Training, 2019

The paper focused on the challenges impacting Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) ... more The paper focused on the challenges impacting Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) within Trinidad and Tobago (T&T). The study highlighted issues plaguing TVET, with insights emanated from stakeholders within TVET institutions. The challenges that presented itself showed TVET in T&T faces copious amount of problems. Stigma, Attrition, and Quality teaching were some of the key problems affecting TVET in T&T. The researcher utilised a qualitative approach to gather data from stakeholders within the institutions. The data was put forward by way of a thematic analysis approach. Focus groups and interviews were used to extract many details that gave the study deep and rich insights on TVET and the challenges emanating at present. Two main themes emerged from the data: challenges and resources. These two areas were further broken down into sub themes. The study also showed that TVET institutions are incapable of treating with some of the issues they faced, and it requires intervention from the central government to address the macro problems that plagued TVET. The research focused on four TVET institutions that are tertiary level institutions of learning. Additionally, the study showed very persuasively that TVET is experiencing a number of significant challenges in T&T. The issues that face the institutions are very complex and which they may not be able to address in a significant way. These challenges require intervention from the governmental level, these matters require the right and adequate leadership as a very important factor in moving TVET forward.

Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research, 2019

World Plumbing Council 2014 Education and Training Scholarship Report Experiencing the German Plumbing Education and Training, 2022

This report provided an overview of my experiences and learning from the beautiful republic of Ge... more This report provided an overview of my experiences and learning from the beautiful republic of Germany. Firstly, I was able to share what I have learned in Germany. I wrote about the history of Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET), indicating its importance to German society. I also wrote about Germany and its history, highlighting the importance of German civilisation and painting a picture of the richness of German life going far back in medieval history with the German icon of Dr. Martin Luther, the German monk. I pointed out the German Dual System's role in the German Economy. Then shared its value and importance in TVET. Also, I was able to elaborate on the role TVET plays in developing human capital within Germany and Europe. I paid attention to the German school system bringing light to the Robert Mayer School and the Arnsberg Training centre. The report highlighted the significance and value of the Guilds and the Chamber and pointed out their place in the advancement of TVET. The Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) plays a crucial role in research and development and is responsible for the progress of TVET in Germany. Research and development are vital for developing plumbing and TVET within Germany. The importance of family-run business and the imperative nature of entrepreneurship were showcased. Technology and innovation were shown to play an essential role in the lives of manufacturing companies in Germany.