Factors influencing the retention of administrative employees at a public technical and vocational education and training college

Orientation: South African higher education institutions, including technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges, face persistent challenges in retaining skilled employees, with turnover intentions undermining work engagement, well-being and institutional performance. Research purpose: This study examined the factors influencing administrative staff retention at a public TVET college in Mpumalanga, South Africa. Motivation for the study: Research on employee retention in TVET colleges has largely overlooked administrative staff. Addressing this gap provides insights into an often-neglected workforce critical to institutional stability. Research design, approach and method: A quantitative, descriptive design was employed, using a stratified sample of 119 administrative employees at Nkangala TVET College. Data were collected through a structured, closed-ended questionnaire. Reliability was confirmed with Cronbach’s alpha, and Pearson’s correlations tested variable relationships. Main findings: Rewards and recognition, job security and career development significantly predict employee retention, while job satisfaction and performance appraisal were statistically insignificant. Practical/managerial implications: To retain administrative staff, TVET colleges should prioritise rewards and recognition as the strongest driver, alongside career development and job security, rather than relying on job satisfaction or performance appraisal. Contribution/value added: The study advances the understanding of administrative employee retention in South African TVET colleges and informs the development of evidence-based strategies to strengthen workforce stability in the sector.