INVOLVEMENT IN BUSINESS OF YOUNG GRADUATES OF VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING INSTITUTIONS: THE CASE OF THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA

Abstract

In the Republic of Moldova, young people who intend to initiate or develop their business are one of the targeted support groups within the framework of the state policy. The article analyzes various aspects of engaging young people in entrepreneurial activity: a brief assessment of statistical indicators is given; support measures for young entrepreneurs, implemented by the Moldovan government and proposed by international/foreign organizations are outlined; features of young entrepreneurs and self-employed are revealed. Emphasis is placed on young graduates of Vocational Education and Training (VET) institutions. The main results and conclusions are largely based on a survey of graduates of vocational education and training institutions who have already set up their business or are self-employed. The survey had been implemented during 2016-2017 with the active participation of the authors. The results of the study showed that young people are interested in entrepreneurship and learning the basics of entrepreneurship has a significant motivating influence on the initiation of their business and self-employment. Often, the business of the young is unregistered and is being combined with employment. Only one third of the respondents know about organizations that can provide them with various forms of support. One of the conclusions of the study presents that positive changes can be achieved much faster by combining the efforts of different stakeholders, in this case – the government, educational institutions, non-profit organizations and external donors.