Factors that Influence the Enrolment of Students in Vocational STEM courses at MCAST

Abstract

International evidence shows that the demand for STEM workers is expected to grow significantly. Despite this, students’ interests and motivation towards STEM learning especially STEM Vocational Education and Training (VET) is not increasing. This Skills Gap phenomenon has driven many countries to adopt policies and take initiatives to help close it. The purpose of this research is to study what factors influence the enrolment of students in Vocational STEM courses. The participants were students following a STEM programme at the Institute of Applied Sciences, MCAST. A quantitative research methodology was adopted for this study. An online cross-sectional survey questionnaire, containing Likert scale responses, was used to collect data. The SPSS Statistics 24 program was used to analyse the data and test it for reliability and validity. Factor analysis was carried out to reduce the initial independent variables into a fewer number of dimensions.The study found that parental advice, students’ interest in STEM subjects, their previous work experience and their positive attitude towards VET education are most influential in students’ enrolment in vocational STEM courses. It also highlights the need for school guidance officers to acquire more knowledge about VET STEM careers and accurate labour market information so as to assist students to make well-informed career path decisions. The findings of this study will provide valuable insight as to the causes of low enrolment within MCAST STEM programmes and help stakeholders determine the measures and strategies needed to encourage participation in STEM vocational studies.