Exploratory Case Study of a Vocational Intervention Program for High School Students in The Bahamas

Abstract

The problem was that there was no evidence of a formal evaluation of a vocational intervention program in The Bahamas. The purpose of the qualitative exploratory case study was to examine an established vocational intervention program. The study explored its impact on the career readiness, vocational skills, and academic success it provided its participants. The study had three research questions: 1. To what extent has the vocational training intervention program been successfully implemented to improve students’ academic success? 2. To what extent has the high school dropout rate improved because of completion of the vocational intervention program by the students? 3. To what extent has the employability of the students improved because of completion of the vocational intervention program by the students? The research approach was a qualitative approach and design an exploratory case study design. Five program instructors were purposefully selected. Each selected staff member must be involved in the program for a minimum of 2 years. Additionally, participants must be: (a) an instructor or administrator, (b) completed at least one course or program cycle in their position, and (c) willing to participate in the interviews. Data was collected using the adult vocational interview. For Research Question 1, themes, aligned with students receiving a stipend, students were learning new skills, and instructors were engaging and invested in student success. For Research Question 2, themes aligned with students becoming more future oriented, career focused, and a more positive outlook toward school and their future. For Research Question 3, themes, aligned with past participants of the program were top industry leaders, students were receiving valuable skills and qualifications, and they received hands-on experience