RESEARCH ON THE ELEMENTS OF OCCUPATIONAL COMPETENCE OF HIGHER VOCATIONAL STUDENTS BASED ON DELPHI METHOD AND GROUNDED THEORY IN THE PRC

Abstract

Occupational competence (OC) is a matter of competitiveness in the future job market as well as the level of student development. However, in China there is a gap between the OC of higher vocational students (HVS) and the requirements of the industry, and graduates have a relatively low employment rate and lack the necessary skills and experience in the real world, requiring additional training and guidance in order to be qualified for their positions. The aim of this study is to explore the elements of OC of HVS and to provide a basis for educators to develop the OC of HVS. In order to achieve this goal, this paper uses 2 qualitative research methods, the Delphi method and Grounded Theory. Through purposeful sampling techniques, 12 experts from 3 regions, Jiangsu, Guangdong, and Zhejiang, including college administrators, corporate personnel, outstanding graduates, and government officials, were selected to help identify and extract the components of OC of HVS. The results of the study are based on 3 dimensions—learning and innovation, career and life, and character and literacy—composed of 15 sub-components and 35 items. It is recommended to apply the list of elements in practice and emphasize its important orientation in vocational education in order to improve the OC with the needs of enterprises and personal development.