Influence of Parents’ Expectations on Course Choice in Vocational Training Centres in Taita Taveta County, Kenya

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between parental influences and a young person's job decision, particularly in the context of choosing courses before enrolling in higher education institutions like Vocational Training Centres (VTCs). The research aims to understand how trainees' perceptions of parental influential factors predict their career choice intention in Taita Taveta County, Kenya. The study analysed data from 2,386 trainees and 29 principal managers in Taita Taveta County VTCs in 2022 using a descriptive survey design. Data was collected using structured interviews and questionnaires. Male trainees comprising 63.1%) were more than female participants 261 (36.9%) (χ2= 6.76, d.f.=1, p = 0.0093). In 2022, 21-year-old trainees in Taita Taveta County VTCs enrolled in car repair, with 18.9% choosing this course, while 0.1% chose agriculture. Parents were the most influential factor, with 58.50% of trainees agreeing with this statement (35.70%) (χ2= 139.95, d.f.=4, p< 0.0001). When asked if other family members had the most impact on their decision to enrol in a course, the majority of respondents 351 (49.60%) agreed with the statement (χ2= 93.53, d.f.=4, p< 0.0001). In relation to opinion that counsellors had greatest influence in their course choice, majority of the respondents agreed 384(54.30%) while the rest disagreed (χ2= 93.53, d.f.=4, p< 0.0001). Also, when the trainees in the VTCs were asked whether the teachers had influence in their course choice, most of them 405(57.1%) agreed, with a significant difference (χ2= 122.93, d.f.=4, p< 0.0001). Parents’ expectations significantly predicted course choice, F 0.05 (1,706) = 6.381, p< 0.05, which indicates that parents’ expectations play a significant role in shaping the course choice (b= 0.599, p < 0.05). The study found trainees' course selections influenced by parents, relatives, counsellors, and instructors, but their personalities, intellectual capacities, and practical and theoretical skills limited their participation. Parents, family members, counsellors, and trainers should influence trainees' course selections based on personalities, intellectual prowess, KUCCPS needs, and course management capacity, ensuring beneficial outcomes.