Title: Vocational Skill Acquisition And Entrepreneurial Competence Of Fashion Enterprises In Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Enweluzo, Theresa Nneka and B. Chima OnuohaČ
Volume: 10
Issue: 1
Pages: 170-180
Publication Date: 2026/01/28
Abstract:
This research was undertaken to explore the correlation between the acquisition of vocational skills and the entrepreneurial competencies within fashion enterprises located in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. This study examines the critical role of vocational skill training in fostering entrepreneurial competence within fashion enterprises. The acquisition of these pragmatic skills empowers business proprietors and managers to engage in astute decision-making, employ effective methodologies, and foster innovation to enhance productivity and sustainability. This study utilised a cross-sectional survey methodology. A total of 69 individuals, comprising fashion business owners, apprentices, and employees from registered fashion enterprises, were randomly chosen to constitute the study population. Data were generated through the administration and retrieval of a questionnaire. The results of the data analysis indicate that the acquisition of vocational skills significantly impacts the entrepreneurial competence within the fashion industry. Furthermore, there exists a robust positive correlation between technical skills and entrepreneurial competence, evidenced by a rho value of 0.643 and 0.727, accompanied by a P-value of 0.000, which is below the threshold of 0.05. The research further demonstrates a robust linear correlation between innovative abilities and entrepreneurial proficiency, evidenced by a P-value of 0.000 and correlation coefficients of 0.641 and 0.581. The research findings indicate that the acquisition of vocational skills significantly bolsters the entrepreneurial capabilities within the fashion industry. It was suggested, among other considerations, that fashion entrepreneurs should be motivated to engage in continuous vocational skill enhancement in areas such as garment construction, pattern making, and textile handling.