A Proposal for Aligning the Outcomes of Community Colleges in the Republic of Yemen with the Requirements of the Labor Market in Light of Its Status Quo

Abstract

Abstract:The purpose of this study was to explore the status quo of community colleges in the Republic of Yemen from the viewpoint of academic leaders and faculty members, employers and graduates. It also aimed to survey successful global models of community colleges in developed countries and to develop a proposal that can help community colleges in the Republic of Yemen to align their outcomes with the labor market. The study used descriptive method, and was conducted at five community colleges (Sanaa – Aden –Seiyun - Abs - Yarim). The study used a questionnaire as a tool to collect data from a sample of 858 participants (leaders of community colleges, faculty members, graduates and employers). The study revealed the following results:With regard to the present situation of community colleges in the Republic of Yemen and the alignment of their outcomes with the requirements of the labor market, it was found that there is a weak partnership between the community colleges and institutions of the labor market in the areas of training students and faculty members, and developing curricula. It was also found that Community Colleges do not conduct any follow-up studies for their graduates; there is a gap between the courses offered and the labor market requirements; and the programs at Community Colleges are not flexible enough so as to respond the market needs and requirements.