Employers' perceptions of graduate competencies and future trends in higher vocational education in China

Abstract

The Chinese economy is now a major driver of growth in the world economy. As a consequence, significant reforms were introduced which impacted on its educational systems. China is facing unprecedented pressure to produce skilled individuals to meet the demands of this rapid growth. China is in the unique position of operating in a dual system, within a market economy on the one hand, and within the remnants of a command‐control bureaucratic system on the other. This curriculum research/review was undertaken at an international design and business higher vocational college located in central Shanghai during 2005/2006. The purpose of the research was to align graduate outcomes better with employer demand, and to seek employers' perceptions about future trends. The sample included key stakeholders of the college, that is: employers; students and graduates; and academic staff. A survey design was used which sought both qualitative and quantitative information from the sample. This article will focus on employers' perspectives of graduate outcomes and future trends. Employers perceived positive attitudes and behaviours, for example, working cooperatively with others; being responsible and adaptable; the ability to resolve conflict; communicating effectively in oral and written English; and a strong commitment to learning continuously, as extremely important qualities in graduates. Some of the more ‘appropriate attitudes and abilities’ such as ‘being responsible and adaptable’ were perceived by researchers as being consistent with a command‐control system, rather than a market economy. The research literature illustrates that there is a widening divide between how foreign‐owned enterprises and State or private Chinese organisations use the education system. Employers also possess low expectations of the types of skills new employees would possess at the higher vocational education entry level.