Hiring Managers’ Perceptions of the Employability of Career and Technical Education Graduates

Abstract

ABSTRACTCommunity colleges serve as a pipeline to industry for students seeking jobs in technical fields. Despite community colleges’ contribution to the workforce, there is a stigma attached to their programs, specifically career and technical (CTE) programs. Due to public perception that certificate and associate degree programs lack rigor, employers may devalue the programs offered at community colleges and doubt the abilities of community college graduates. Since education background is an important factor of a candidate’s employability, more research is needed to understand how employers view CTE education today. This qualitative study explored hiring managers’ perceptions of community college graduates with associate degrees or certificates in a CTE program. Twelve hiring managers from health, insurance, education, and business sectors in a medium-sized city in the Midwest were interviewed. Analysis of the transcripts revealed three findings: (a) education programs prepare graduates to fulfill technical job responsibilities, (b) underdeveloped soft skills and critical thinking skills, and (c) hiring managers look for candidates who demonstrate passion.