Climbing the ladder : Maltese young people's involvement in youth groups and its connection to youth entrepreneurship

Abstract

Entrepreneurship is becoming essential in today’s economy. A large number of jobs are being created by people opting to become self-employed or by small businesses started by entrepreneurially-minded individuals. The European Union is acknowledging entrepreneurship as one very significant aspect to combat unemployment, which is on the increase throughout all member countries. People exposed to entrepreneurship often state that they have more opportunity to exercise creative thinking, possess higher self-esteem, and have a greater sense of control over what happens in their own lives. As a result of this, many experienced business people, political leaders and educators believe that encouraging an entrepreneurial culture will not only maximize the potential of the individual but also result in success on a larger scale in society. Such a culture is already being given priority through formal education. However, is it possible for an entrepreneurial culture to be enhanced and developed through non formal and informal settings? Can young people be encouraged to become entrepreneurs through non formal and informal learning? Is it possible for young people to gain entrepreneurial competences and skills through their involvement in youth groups in order to become more entrepreneurial in nature? This dissertation assessed the development of entrepreneurial skills through involvement in youth organisations that aim to promote life skills. Through this study, the importance of non formal and informal education offered by youth organisations is recognised. The results of this research indicate that Maltese young people do believe that they are gaining entrepreneurial skills through their involvement in youth groups. This research analysed how young people ranked themselves in entrepreneurial skills and whether there is any correlation to the following criteria: duration of membership in youth group and the role of the member in the youth group. It established that the level of skills gained by young people increases when duration increases, particularly when the young people occupy a leadership role within their organisations. Furthermore, the young people involved in the study claimed that the skills they gained through their experiences in their youth groups can help them to become successful entrepreneurs.