1. Entrepreneurial Inclinations of
Vocational Education Graduates:
A Grounded Theory Study on Early V.E.T.
Graduates in the EU State of Malta
Dr Alexander Rizzo
Head, University College
Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology
(MCAST)
Research Paper

2. The Research Scenario:
In vocational education the components of skills and competences take
on a new meaning, one that is not lost on the field of enterprise
behaviour.
Skills are practical and transversal, giving vocational graduates an
edge in understanding how to behave and make decisions in a
dynamic business environment. Competences are stronger,
particularly the competence of the vocational graduate to make
decisions with autonomy and responsibility.
It is the outcome of this vocational setting, and the resulting
differentiated entrepreneurial behaviour, that is of much interest to the
researcher and to the academic and business community.

3. The Learning Environment – Entrepreneurship and V.E.T.
MCAST hosts 6,500 full-time
vocational students in 3 Colleges.
VET students in higher education follow programmes at EQF Levels 3 to 7,
with the most popular programmes found at Levels 4 and 5.
The Levels 4 and 5 programmes have some 20-30% of the content based
on workplace learning – either through apprenticeship schemes or training
placements. Students carry out actual work duties, under supervision.
This form of learning provides some distinct outcomes:
1. The knowledge acquired is more deeply ingrained in the student, and
has more relevance
2. Practical, applied skills are gained, focusing on real industry need
3. Competencies are gained in working with autonomy and responsibility
Students are taught by lecturers who are both industry professionals and
academics, creating a particular mindset in the student.

4. Continuous cycle of data
collection, constant comparative
analysis, and sampling
Sampling Strategy Adopted
Convenience
Sampling
Purposeful Sampling
Theoretical Sampling
Chosen because of
participants’ willingness
to participate
(Seeking participants’
availability)
Chosen according to the
needs of the study; aiming
for participants from a rich
variation in business
characteristics
(Seeking participants with
particular characteristics,
and using generic prompts)
Participants chosen specifically to provide
additional data on particular concepts
(Seeking businesses that appeared to have
a portfolio of products, experiences, or
other attributes relating to the concepts
requiring additional development. More
specific prompts utilized)
Sampling Frame
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Y4...
TheoreticalSaturation

5. Coding Process using MAXQDA

6. Exposure to Business
Enterprise
Application of Basic
Enterprise Attributes
High Value Added Business
Enterprise
Application of Enterprise
Attributes within a Business Venture
1
2
3
4
Research Findings:
A Model for the V.E.T. Entrepreneurship Adoption Process
1st Tier:
Work exposure taking
place through various
vocational training
mechanisms.
Vital transversal skills
acquisition.
Often supported by a
hobbyist interest in the
work.
Vital tier allowing
students to form
character and a strong
work ethic.

7. Application of Basic
Enterprise Attributes
High Value Added Business
Enterprise
Application of Enterprise
Attributes within a Business Venture
1
2
3
4
Exposure to Business
Enterprise
Research Findings:
A Model for the V.E.T. Entrepreneurship Adoption Process
2nd Tier:
A merge between hand-
holding by the vocational
college and work
experimentation by the
graduate.
Somewhat of a tapered
approach towards
entering a business
venture.
Distaste towards
learning business topics,
but a strong interest to
learn and apply business
applications.

8. Exposure to Business
Enterprise
Application of Basic
Enterprise Attributes
High Value Added Business
Enterprise
Application of Enterprise
Attributes within a Business Venture
1
2
3
4
Research Findings:
A Model for the V.E.T. Entrepreneurship Adoption Process
3rd Tier:
A logical progression
from the first two
development phases.
Time invested in the
development phases
was quickly made up for
in this phase. New
businesses were quickly
built and expanded
upon.
Strong reliance on earlier
acquired practical
business skills and
acumen.

9. High Value Added Business
Enterprise
Application of Enterprise
Attributes within a Business Venture
1
2
3
4
Exposure to Business
Enterprise
Application of Basic
Enterprise Attributes
Research Findings:
A Model for the V.E.T. Entrepreneurship Adoption Process
4th Tier:
A high value-added
business enterprise,
not achieved by all.
Highly entrepreneurial
behaviour in the
creation of a truly
unique and inimitable
business venture.
Strong barriers of entry.
It is argued that the students’ work-related background gives them a
significant advantage when applying their intrinsic enterprise instincts
within a practical business environment.