Providing Entrepreneurial Instruction for Vocational Students - A Viable Alternative

Abstract:

There are two major objectives to this presentation:

I. A career in Entrepreneurship is a viable alternative that should be considered by all levels of vocational education and training.

In all vocational education curriculum, a place should be found for a course that teaches Entrepreneurship principles and methods, that provides the students with an understanding of this area of a vocationally-oriented, business venture.

Not all vocational students can or will become entrepreneurs; however, a number will possess the necessary entrepreneurial mindset:

• a single-mindedness and dedication to the achievement of a set of personal goals and objectives;
• confidence in their intuitive and rational capabilities;
• a capacity to think and plan in both tactical and strategic terms; and
• an attitude which reflects a penchant for action, frequently in situations in which information is inadequate.
  

One could add to this list: A strong desire to be self-employed - to work for themselves, rather than for others.

II. A second major thrust of this presentation - Enterprise Education

During the instruction of an entrepreneurial course, the opportunity exists for teaching Enterprise Education - the key competency skills that are associated with performing well on the job, whether working for oneself or for others.

The development of the important skills set - the important attitudes, behaviours, and knowledge associated with effective performance are stressed by all professional organizations: The Conference Board of Canada, Federal and Provincial Human Resources Departments, Chambers of Commerce, etc.

III. Conference Format

The conference presentation would follow this format:

• A description of how a student mught assess his/her potential for an entrepreneurial career.
• Procedures for exploring new entrepreneurial opportunities for students in the vocational field.
• Procedures for examining the alternatives of starting a new business, purchasing an existing business, or considering a franchise
• Other areas that would be considered: Organizing the business venture; Protection of an idea and opportunity; Arranging finances as required; Conducting a feasibility study: a step-by-step process for transforming a chosen venture concept from its initial idea stage to the actual marketplace; etc.
• The last section would be the development of a viable and comprehensive business plan for the venture. This hands-on activity is a significant part of the whole presentation.
• The Enterprise Educations section of this presentation would highlight the following outline:

Key Competency Skills-Enterprise Education

1. Work with others in teams

• team members in a fast food outlet
• improving morale after serious sports defeat
• directing a school or community play production

2. Collect, analyze, and organize ideas and information

• develop capactiy to locate information
• sift and sort, to select what is required, & present in useful way
• organizing information in a data base, record info for committee meeting,
• producing budgets - pricing, marketing, advertising

3. Express ideas and information - good communications skills

• spoken, written, and non-verbal means of expression
• prepare a maintenance report for for new equipment operation;
• answering questions at the end of a presentation
• making oral and written presentations

4. Use technology

• entering and retriving data from a computer system
• monitoring the safety and operating condition of equipment and facilities
• preparation of company reports and presentations

5. Use mathematical ideas and techniques

• estimating the amount of cement required for project
• managing food qualities
• constructing spreadsheet to calculate wages, tax, and other deductions.
• calculating the required denominations of notes and coins to pay packets

6. Solve problems

• applying problem-solving strategies in purposeful ways
• dealing with a complaint from guest in a hotel
• reducing hazards on a worksite

7. Planning and organizing activites

• making effective use of time and resources; sorting priorities
• organizing a rehearsal schedule for a production
• managing completing demands when working for and with several people

8. Cultural understandings

• Sales clerk dealing with customers complaint due to misunderstanding because of cultural diff
• catering firm setting up a reception and taking into account cultural requirements or guests

This presentation will also address the following issues:

a. Working with marginalized students - economically and/or socially disadvantaged

b. Developing a life-long learning culture

c. Empowering individuals to become more creative; innovative, responsive, self-reliant

d. Preparing students to accept chanage, respond to change, and lead change

e. Entrepreneurial educations is a forefront of changes occuring with education

It continually challenges the status quo in areas such as teaching techniques, and classroom methodologies and management theories

f. Curriculum should aim to balance process and content

g. Teaching entrepeneurship builds bridges to community and fosters partnership

It links well with coop programs and mentor partnerships

It continually exhibits a demand for innovative resources, new teacher training, and development methods

h. Learning from the lesson of failure

i. Entrepeneurship education can contribute towards efforts designed to improve student retention

j. Entrepeneurship educations is an ideal core for an integrated learning approach to which other important subject areas can be linked and applied

Presenters:

Dr. George Porozny

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