Vocational Education and Training Management Practices and Student's Entrepreneurial Skills Acquisition in Public Technical Secondary Schools in Rwanda: A Case of Nyaruguru District

Abstract: This study examined the influence of vocational education and training (VET) management practices on students’ entrepreneurial skills acquisition in public technical secondary schools in Rwanda. It specifically assessed the effects of building construction and resource allocation, culinary arts, fashion design, and electrical technology with supervision on students’ entrepreneurial competencies. The study targeted 202 respondents from public technical secondary schools in Nyaruguru District, including 91 current students, 50 trainers, 31 school leaders, and 30 graduates from the 2022–2024 cohorts. A sample of 134 participants was selected through stratified and simple random sampling. Data were collected using questionnaires and document analysis, with a pilot study conducted to ensure reliability. Both descriptive and correlational research designs were applied, and data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Version 21.0. Findings indicated that building construction and effective resource allocation significantly enhanced students’ practical abilities, creativity, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills, with strong agreement among trainers (51.5%–60.6%) and students (45.0%–52.5%). Culinary arts training promoted creativity, problem-solving, and customer service competencies, supported by strong agreement from trainers (30.3%–39.4%) and students (45.0%–52.5%). Similarly, fashion design training improved creativity, strategic thinking, and customer engagement, with trainers’ agreement ranging from 33.3%–39.4% and students from 40.0%–52.5%. Electrical technology training and supervision strengthened technical proficiency and entrepreneurial readiness, with trainers’ agreement between 30.3%–39.4% and students between 35.0%–41.3%. Overall, the study concluded that practical, well-managed, and resource-supported vocational education plays a crucial role in equipping students with entrepreneurial competencies essential for self-employment and meaningful participation in Rwanda’s labor market. It recommended strengthening infrastructure, practical training, professional development, student engagement, supervision, and policy support to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of VET programs. Keywords: Vocational Education, Training Management, Entrepreneurial Skills, Student, Technical Secondary Schools, Rwanda. Title: Vocational Education and Training Management Practices and Student’s Entrepreneurial Skills Acquisition in Public Technical Secondary Schools in Rwanda: A Case of Nyaruguru District Author: Niyobuhungiro Zephanie, Dr Hesbon Opiyo Andala International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online) Vol. 13, Issue 4, October 2025 - December 2025 Page No: 452-466 Research Publish Journals Website: www.researchpublish.com Published Date: 27-November-2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17736150 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.researchpublish.com/papers/vocational-education-and-training-management-practices-and-students-entrepreneurial-skills-acquisition-in-public-technical-secondary-schools-in-rwanda-a-case-of-nyaruguru-district