The Role of family influence, gender, and entrepreneurial education on Indonesian vocational students becoming entrepreneurs

The study analyzed whether family influence, gender, and entrepreneurial education would influence vocational students’ desire to become entrepreneurs. A survey was conducted in 6 vocational schools in Tasikmalaya, West Java, involving 246 vocational students. Using multiple regression analysis, findings show that entrepreneurial education has the highest influence (57.5%) shaping entrepreneurial intention among vocational students, while gender account for 30% influence on students’ entrepreneurial intention.  Male and female students believed that they must be given the same opportunities for entrepreneurship, yet there are feminine and masculine attributes that differentiate successful entrepreneurial plans between genders. Lastly, findings show that family background has the least influence (16%) on entrepreneurial intentions. Respondents disclosed that there are many choices open to them aside from being entrepreneurs, and they would opt for this choice instead of following their parents. Nevertheless, they believe in family support through advice and access to capital. Implications for research, policy, and practice are discussed. This study has shown evidence that entrepreneurship can be a solution to Indonesia’s high unemployment problem for young vocational students, but this entails better entrepreneurial education, the provision of gender-equal opportunities for males and female students, and enhanced family support for entrepreneurial ventures