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Final straws: factors in decisions of young males withdrawing from a vocational business course

Abstract This purpose of this study was to identify influences on young males' decisions to withdraw from their studies in certificate courses at a Western Australia College of Technical and Further Education (TAFE). The research focused on males aged between 17 and 21 years, and their reasons for either dropping out of or persisting in entry-level business courses with the School of Management and Business. The case study design provided the opportunity to gain a holistic view of the participants' perspectives. Data were collected through focus group and in-depth semi-structured individual interviews, and analysed using open coding to identify overarching themes. Propositions that emerged from the themes provide a basis for further research on the relationships between a specific program's practices, and student development and success.