The evaluation of training on entrepreneurship skills by Gauteng Enterprise Propeller (GEP) in Johannesburg, South Africa

Abstract

Many studies have revealed that training contributes significantly in the growth of enterprises. Training adds to the skills of SMMEs' owners, change their behaviour on how they perceive and conduct business activities and in turn enhance their ability to perform better. This dissertation investigates impact of entrepreneurship skills training and education as one of the factors that will help in both the survival and sustainability of SMMEs serviced by Gauteng Enterprise Propeller (GEP) in South Africa (SA). It highlights problems of the current entrepreneurship skills training and education by delineating the weakness and pitfalls. The relevant literature has been visited and served as a primary data that add value to the dissertation. Collation of the relevant data is followed by a discussion of the impact of entrepreneurship skills training and education as one of the factors that will help in both the survival and sustainability of SMMEs. The relative lack of research on impact of entrepreneurship skills training and education is the primary impetus of this study. The sample was drawn from SMMEs who attended entrepreneurship skills training offered by Gauteng Enterprise Propeller. The majority of the respondents were cooperatives in Johannesburg, South Africa. The study findings indicate that the entrepreneurship skills training have the following five major deficiencies: there is deficiency in entrepreneurship skills training and education; lack of involvement in the training program; lack of quality in training; training not being relevant to organizational needs; and lack of training programs. It is suggested that GEP management should explore opportunities to ensure that the training addresses business needs; involve trainees in training evaluation to improve quality; improve the effectiveness of training and its impact; and ensure that respondents are trained on formulation of training programs and policy to address organisational needs.