Youth Entrepreneurial Skills Training as a Source of Employment in the North-eastern Part of Botswana

This case study was conducted in Tutume, north-eastern district of Botswana. The study sought to investigate the extent to which youth Entrepreneurial Skills Training acts a source of employment in Botswana. The specific objectives of the researchwere to establish: the benefits the youth gain from entrepreneurial skills acquired at vocational training centres; the limitations experienced by the youth who complete their studies at entrepreneurial vocational training centres; and the strategies to mitigate these challenges and expand the current level of employment opportunities. A qualitative method was used for the study. Snowball non-probability sampling was used to identify 20 respondents (who happened to receive this entrepreneurial training) for the study. Brigade coordinators, who constituted part of the study, were selected through purposive sampling. In-depth interviews were used to collect data. The findings noted that, the Brigades' vocational training has led to job creation in the Tutume district. The training also contributed to increased profit-making capacity of youth-owned enterprises. The challenges included, limited domestic market, shortage of subsidies, high production costs, shortage of staff, lack of commitment by some youth entrepreneurs, and low income. The study recommends a refocus on the training towards creativity and innovative thinking; peer assistance; the establishment of retail co-operatives; and target setting and monitoring of projects.