Challenges and Opportunities of Self-Employment among TVET Graduates: Evidence from Dukem Town, Ethiopia

The study explores challenges and opportunities of self-employment in Dukem Town, southwest of Addis Ababa, in Ethiopia, among Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) graduates. This study used a sequential explanatory mixed-method research design with qualitative data that were used to explain quantitative findings. Questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussions are common methods for data collection. Out of 264 questionnaires distributed, three were excluded; consequently, a total of 261 (98·8%) responses were valid for analysis. The study participants included TVET graduates as well as qualitative inputs from six management staff working at the institutional level in TVET and five experts dealing with micro and small enterprises (MSE). Descriptive statistics were used to analyze quantitative data, and thematic analysis was used for the qualitative data. The findings reveal perceived limitations in teaching materials, practical training implementation, and industry-based training; poor delivery of entrepreneurship capacity-building programs; as well as weak responsiveness on the part of the stakeholders. Importantly, 89.3% of survey respondents cited lack of start-up capital as a major barrier to self-employment, suggesting access to finances is still the most constraint on graduate entrepreneurship. The study suggests enhancing linkages with industries to maintain a relevant curriculum and enhance training facility quality; initiating EDS (Entrepreneurship Development Service) programs; improving career guidance services; and encouraging the establishment of financial and institutional support systems for self-employed graduates.