EMPOWERING SAUDI YOUTH THROUGH EFFECTIVE VOCATIONAL TRAINING: ROLE OF INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP CULTURE

Abstract

The discipline of training and development is witnessing a rapid increase in global recognition. Due to this rationale, numerous organizations allocate resources towards enhancing the skills and retaining the talent of their employees. The implementation of vocational training programs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has witnessed a notable rise, contributing to the enhancement of skills among the younger population. Companies endeavor to pursue progressive trajectories and optimize performance outcomes through the integration of entrepreneurship, continuous learning, and a culture of innovation. The current study has employed a quantitative research design to examine the subject of inquiry. To achieve this objective, surveys were distributed to employees working in the higher education sector in Saudi Arabia. The software programs utilized for data analysis were SPSS and AMOS. The researchers conducted structural equation modeling to assess the outcomes pertaining to the hypothesis. The findings revealed that the variable EC had a significant impact on the dependent variable VCE, while the variable INN also exerted an influence on VCE.In relation to the mediation analysis, it is observed that the mediating effect of EDP on the relationship between INN and VCE is not statistically significant. However, the mediating effect of EDP on the relationship between EC and VCE is found to be statistically significant. This study contributes novel perspectives and advantages to the existing body of literature and theoretical frameworks pertaining to employee training and development. Moreover, the educational sectors can derive benefits from the current study by gaining insights into the various advantageous aspects of fostering an innovative culture and providing training to their employees. This, in turn, has a direct impact on employee retention and engagement in their work.