'Investigating entrepreneurial intentions of Gen Y' - A study of Australian vocational education students

Australia relies on small businesses for employment, income and economic growth. Generation Y is of particular interest due to its size and recent arrival to the labour market. This thesis investigates the capacity and intentions of Generation Y to become self-employed. An integrative model incorporating personal and contextual factors was statistically tested. Findings show that Generation Y vocational students are not driven by social norms, and there is little difference between men and women in most motives. The results provide a better understanding for stakeholders (parents, educationalists, policy makers, and investors) how to foster the prosperity of generation Y, through entrepreneurial start-ups.