INFLUENCE OF DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DELTA STATE SKILLS TRAINING AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAMME (STEP)

This study evaluated the influence of Demographic factors on the implementation of the Delta State Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP). The population of the study comprised 4,559 beneficiaries. A sample size of 1,000 beneficiaries was selected through proportionate stratified and convenience sampling techniques. The questionnaire was used to collect data. Experts’ judgement was used to validate the instrument. The test-retest method of reliability was used to determine the reliability of the instrument, with a coefficient of 0.82. Frequency and percentage were used to analyse the data. The findings of the study revealed that there is a significant difference between male and female beneficiaries of the STEP on the establishment of their own enterprises after graduating from the programme; that there is a significant difference between male and female beneficiaries of the STEP on their employment of other youths after graduating from the programme; and that there is no significant difference among beneficiaries of the STEP on the establishment of their own enterprises on the basis of their marital status after graduating from the programme. The study further showed that there is no significant difference among beneficiaries of the STEP on the employment of other youths on the basis of their marital status after graduating from the programme; that there is a significant difference among beneficiaries of the STEP on the establishment of their own enterprises on the basis of their educational qualification after graduating from the programme; and that there is no significant difference among beneficiaries of the STEP on their employment of other youths on the basis of their educational qualification after graduating from the programme. The study recommended amongst others that the program be expanded to accommodate more economically viable skills and vocations, including commerce/trade apprenticeship.  Article visualizations