This article reports research concerned with understanding the factors that influence the decision of young males to withdraw from their studies in certificate courses at a Technical and Further Education (TAFE) College in Western Australia. 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 at Central TAFE. The findings from this qualitative case study project led to the development of theoretical positions that provide a basis for further research, important in the study of the relationships between a specific programme' practices and student development and success. (Contains 2 figures.)