Employment Preparation Research Articles

Socio-Emotional Disposition’s Mediation in Technical Skills and Graduate Employability in Tourism and Hospitality Industry—South-Western Uganda

Despite possessing technical skills, many hospitality graduates in Southwestern Uganda struggle to secure employment. This suggests a possible deficiency in their socio-emotional abilities. The study investigated the mediating effect of socio-emotional disposition in the relationship between technical skills and graduate employability. The research design employed in this study was the cross-sectional quantitative research method with a population of 640 graduates and a sample size of 400 was established for hospitality graduates based on Krejcie, & Morgan’s (1970) table and formula. The data was collected employing questionnaires and the data analysis was done by SPSS V. 23 and Smart PLS V 4. The results revealed that the technical skills and socio-emotional disposition of graduates have significant direct effects on the graduates’ employability, with path coefficients of (β = 0.348, p < 0.001) for technical skills and (β = 0.716, p< 0.001) for socio-emotional disposition. Sensitively, socio-emotional disposition was also reported to mediate the link between technical skill and employability (β = 0.438, p<0.001). Thus, socio-emotional disposition increases the level of readiness for employment. The study indicates technical competencies are mandatory prerequisites to getting a job in the hospitality industry; socio-emotional competencies enhance these results. The study recommended that carrying out tracer studies and skills audits, mentorship schemes, certification of future graduates, creating a strong linkage between higher educational institutions (HEIs) and the hospitality sector, and authorities should take into account the programs that encourage socio-emotional enhancement appropriate to the needs of the sector

‘How can you worry about employment and survival at the same time?’: employment and mental health among precariously employed cisgender and transgender sexual minority adult men in Toronto, Canada

This study addresses a gap in the labour market and occupational health literatures among sexual and gender minority workers by exploring the relationship between precarious employment and mental health through a political economy framework. Narratives from 20 cisgender and transgender sexual minority men were analysed to uncover the production of employment and mental health inequities. Results are presented temporally, including employment readiness, looking for work, and on the job, illuminating the social and structural processes that underly participants’ stories of precarious employment and mental health. A cyclical pattern was identified whereby participants’ mental ill-health resulted in separation from the labour market and increased employment precarity that subsequently further impacted their mental health. Interventions and programmes must consider multipronged approaches that address all aspects of this syndemic, including social stigma and discrimination towards sexual and gender minority people and improved access to stable employment, mental healthcare, and adequate social welfare systems.

Lived Experiences and Perceptions of Autistic Young Adults Participating in Employment Readiness Skills Training.

This study aimed to examine the experiences and perceptions of participants engaged in an employment readiness program, Employment Preparation And Skills Support (EPASS), which is a manualized group-based training program designed to improve employment readiness among autistic young adults. A qualitative descriptive design was utilized to generate thick descriptions through semi-structured interviews with 22 transition-age autistic individuals (Mage = 20; 6 females; 16 males). Thematic analysis was employed to understand the experiences and career outcomes of transition-age autistic individuals pre- and post-participation in the EPASS program. Five main themes were identified: (1) More Negative Than Positive Employment-related Experiences; (2) Insight about Training Needs despite Hesitation to Participate; (3) Improved Perception and Confidence of Employment readiness through Experiential Learning; (4) Emerging Career Goals and Plans in Future Application of Knowledge and Skills; and (5) Learning Preference for More Interactive and Practice Experience. Participants reported a better understanding of job preparation skills, work-related social skills and interview etiquette. They also reported that what they learned in EPASS helped them improve their skills and confidence in obtaining and maintaining employment. Overall, participants expressed satisfaction with participating in EPASS and anticipated potential long-term impacts on their employability. This study sheds light on the training needs for transition-age autistic individuals and informs future employment readiness program development. Future studies should focus on collaborating with stakeholders to address training gaps and support needs that foster improved employment outcomes for this population.

Motivation Unlocks Gen Z’s Path to Workforce Success

This study looks into how learning motivation influences the relationship between self-efficacy, competence, and employment preparedness among Generation Z students. The study focuses on twelfth-grade accounting students at SMK Negeri 2 Buduran Sidoarjo in the academic year 2023/2024. The study intends to investigate how self-efficacy and competence influence job preparedness, as well as how learning motivation acts as a mediator in this relationship. A quantitative approach was used to collect data from a sample of 60 pupils from a population of 108, as calculated by Slovin's formula. A questionnaire was utilized to collect data, and the findings were assessed using Partial Least Squares (PLS) analysis. The findings show that self-efficacy and competence have a favorable and significant impact on students' work preparation, with learning motivation successfully moderating the link. These findings indicate that promoting self-efficacy, competence, and learning motivation in vocational education can improve students' preparedness for the workforce

Exploring the Post-COVID-19 Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Placement Experiences of Hospitality Students

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak disrupted many industries including the hospitality industry. Work-integrated learning (WIL) placement within the hospitality sector was also affected by changes that occurred during the pandemic. The pandemic resulted in the closure of hospitality establishments, enforcement of health and safety protocols, retrenchments and a transformed hospitality work environment. All these changes affected the experiences of students under WIL placement. Accordingly, this study sought to explore the post-COVID-19 WIL placement experiences of hospitality students. The study collected data using the qualitative research methodology. The study population consisted of university students who were enrolled on a hospitality and tourism management course. A purposively selected sample of 20 participants was interviewed using semi-structured providing data on WIL placement experiences in the post-pandemic period. The data were analysed and presented using thematic analysis. The main findings of the investigation revealed that there is a significant change in employment readiness, skills gap as well as career prospects uncertainty. Furthermore, students are facing challenges in handling the transition, dealing with negative career prospects and coping with digital competence requirements. Based on these findings, the study recommends the restructuring of the curriculum to accommodate changes in the hospitality industry, stakeholder consultations regarding WIL placement activities and training to accommodate all changes that affect the efficient delivery of WIL placement within the hospitality industry.

Sustainable and Impactful Education: Community Development within The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR ) In South Africa: STEAM Evaluation

South Africa, amidst the Fourth Industrial Revolution’s challenges, explores sustainable education intersecting with community development. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study scrutinized educational dynamics. A case study method selected three secondary schools, involving 105 learners were purposively selected for this study. The study was underpinned by the human capital theory. This theoretical framework highlights the importance of addressing systemic inequities and promoting social justice. A questionnaire was used as a data collection tool. Qualitative data captured community perspectives, advocating for technology integration in education. Overcoming barriers like infrastructure and digital literacy was seen as crucial. The study findings highlighted integrating STEM education into South Africa’s curriculum, focusing on interdisciplinary strategies to nurture creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. STEAM courses were seen as a way which prepare students for the 4IR, fostering adaptability and future employment readiness. Lack of electricity, computers, and availability of computer training was revealed as one of the lacking factors among teachers in schools. Themes were drawn and discussed in relation to the research question. The study suggests assessing long-term impacts on community indicators like economic empowerment and health. The study concluded that police makers and curriculum designers may need to re-evaluate educational systems for STEAM. The study therefore recommended that it may be of great help if rigorous outcome evaluation measures of educational intervention would be effective in schools. Also, analyzing policy frameworks was recommended as essential for national development agendas, and bridging policy gaps Keywords: STEAM, Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), Development, Sustainable, Education

Addressing employment barriers for humanitarian migrants: Perspectives from settlement services

AbstractThis research seeks to understand the challenges faced by settlement service providers (SSPs) in assisting humanitarian migrants to secure appropriate employment. In‐depth interviews with 26 SSPs identified that current impediments to facilitating humanitarian migrants' employment related to employment support programmes; settlement service partnerships; cultural appropriateness of services; employment readiness, experience, skills and knowledge; social support and networks; and limitations of funding and service agreements. While employment is recognised as key to effective settlement, the findings of this study show that employment services are not currently a focus of settlement services, that is, most employment services delivered by settlement services were coordinated as part of job preparedness or readiness programmes. The paper argues for government to ensure financial and human resources to enable SSPs to deliver services that can formally recognise and overcome barriers to humanitarian migrants' employment.

No one really plans to have multiple sclerosis: Transition readiness and quality of life in paediatric multiple sclerosis.

We sought to explore the experiences and perceptions of the quality of life of adolescents with pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis and assess their readiness for academic, employment and/or health care-related transitions. Adolescents with pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis face unique challenges in managing a chronic illness while navigating future scholastic, social and occupational goals. We conducted a qualitative study with in-depth, semi-structured interviews from July 2017 to March 2019. Adolescents with pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis were recruited from a pediatric neurology subspeciality practice until reaching data saturation. A total of 17 interviews were completed via telephone with participants ages 15 through 26. Through content analysis of the interviews, we identified five major themes: (1) receiving a new diagnosis; (2) adapting to life with pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis; (3) evaluating education/career transition preparedness; (4) adjusting within family life and establishing support systems; and (5) assessing current medical services and preparedness for adult medical care. Autonomy in health care management, adequate control of physical symptoms and sufficient family support impacted perceptions of quality of life. Implementing a dedicated transition visit, including the parent(s) of those with pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis, early in adolescence may provide an avenue for appropriate anticipatory guidance regarding available services, independent medical management and continuity of care.

Aligning HR Innovation with Industry Strategies: Enhancing Technical Graduate Employability through Industry-Institute Engagement Practices

This study aims to investigate the strategic approaches utilized by industries to enhance the employability of graduates through industry-institute engagement practices, seeking to understand the effectivenessof these strategies in addressing the increasing demand for skilled technical graduates with high competitiveness and employability skills. Employing a cross-sectional research design, the study was conducted in the Peenya Industrial area from December 2022 to March 2023, focusing on its high concentration of engineering industries. A quantitative approach was used to survey 120 executives from Peenya involved in recruiting engineering graduates, utilizing a structured questionnaire to assess strategies like placement cell activities, social media use, and entrepreneurial training. Data analysis involved descriptivestatistics and ANOVA.Results indicates that placement cell activities are the most employed strategy (63.3%), followed by socialmedia (21.7%) and college databases (11.7%), with entrepreneurial training and Centers of Excellencebeing less utilized. While age did not significantly affect perceptions, firm size did, particularly regardingentrepreneurial training effectiveness. The study highlights the increasing demand for skilled technicalgraduates and the challenges in ensuring their readiness for employment, emphasizing the predominantuse of placement cell activities, social media, and college databases in recruiting engineering graduates.It underscores the need for aligning HR innovation with industry strategies and collaborative efforts toenhance technical graduate employability

Awareness, acceptability, congruency, and attainability of an academic institution’s vision, mission, goals, and objectives

<p><span lang="EN-US">The mandate of Isabela State University is to deliver higher learning in the arts, agriculture, natural sciences, technology, and specialized disciplines. Hence, the institution executes a strategic vision, mission, goals, and objectives (VMGO) to meet the expectations of its stakeholders. This research examined the degree of stakeholders’ awareness, acceptance and understanding of the Isabela State University, College of Business, Accountancy, and Public Administration’s (ISU-CBAPA) VMGO; its congruence with the educational approaches of the faculty and resources of the institution in delivering quality education; and whether the program goals and objectives of the business programs were attained. A quantitative descriptive research method was used. The results indicate that the respondents are generally highly aware of the ISU-CBAPA VMGO and its dissemination. The respondents perfectly understand and accept the ISU-CBAPA VMGO and highly perceive the extent of its congruence with academic strategies, practices, and activities. In addition, all respondents perceived that the ISU-CBAPA VMGO is being realized and favorably attained, despite the significant differences found. Recommendations include intensifying VMGO dissemination to external stakeholders, emphasizing VMGO commitments toward its realization, and emphasizing improvement on the students’ development of professional skills, research capabilities, and competencies, and their readiness for employment and/or managing a business.</span></p>

Career Preferences and Preparedness for Employment among Nursing Interns at Selected Nursing College, Chennai

Background: The nurses are always in high demand. Presently, nursing constitutes the largest occupational group in the healthcare industry, with nearly 59% of medical professionals working as nurses. Nursing practice occurs in multiple care settings, including health care institutions and foundations, community, and home (James, 2018). The International Council of Nurses (ICN) (2021) projects that over 13 million nurses worldwide are required to bridge the gap in the nursing shortage by 2030. Aims: This study was aimed to determine the Career Preferences and Preparedness for employment among Nursing Interns at Selected Nursing College, Chennai. Materials and methods: The present study was conducted using descriptive research design at Apollo College of Nursing, Chennai. The sample size was 98 nursing interns who met the inclusion criteria were, they were selected using total enumerative sampling technique. The data was collected by self- administration method using predetermined and validated tools such as background variables proforma, semi structured questionnaire to assess preferences and rating scale to assess the preparedness for employment in Google forms. The link was sent to the participants through whats -app and Emails, after obtaining informed consent. Data was analyzed according to the objectives and hypotheses of the study using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Majority of nursing interns felt confident to communicate with physicians (73.3%), had the ability to solve problems (76%), 70.7% have assertiveness to stand for the rights of patients/ colleagues, 77.3% of interns are ready for their professional roles preparedness for employment and among them 65.3%were happy for choosing nursing as a career. Conclusion: The findings of the study revealed that, majority of the final years nursing students were completely prepared for the employment from student nurses to nursing professionals and many of them preferred their career as staff nurse.

Lived Experiences of Probationers towards Community-based Correction Program: A Qualitative Study

This study explores the real-world experiences of probationers who take part in Ozamiz City community programs. The study uses a qualitative approach to investigate the viewpoints, difficulties, and results that probationers experience when participating in community-based projects. The study uses thematic analysis to identify and investigate major themes that surface from the narratives of probationers, providing insight into how they interact with programs for rehabilitation, reintegrate into society, and perceive support systems. The following are the generated themes: (1) Personal Growth and Self-Discipline, (2) Community Integration and Belonging, (3) Guidance and Support from Probation Officers, and (4) Skills Development and Employment Readiness. In this study, the researcher analyzed the data using the narrative and phenomenology methods of Moustakas for the gathering of information through open-ended and conversational communication. The research is to contribute to the creation of more responsive and effective interventions that are suited to the requirements and realities of probationers in Ozamiz City by clarifying these lived experiences.

Convergence of Artificial Intelligence Algorithms and Education Fuels Educational Reform in Higher Education Programs

Abstract In the realm of higher education management, data mining has emerged as a potent tool for elevating the quality of instruction and administrative operations. This study presents the development of a curriculum validation analysis model utilizing association rule clustering. We collected and processed data from design students at a university, addressing missing values and eliminating outliers. Through data mining, we explored the relationships between students’ coursework, skill acquisition, and the demands of potential employers in society. This analysis underpinned a series of reforms in higher education curricula. To assess the impact of these curricular changes, two instructors conducted both process and outcome evaluations of the revised programs. The evaluations revealed that five student groups achieved scores above 80, one group scored between 70 and 80, and three groups scored between 60 and 70. All student groups scored above 60, demonstrating their competence in fundamental job-related tasks and validating their readiness for professional employment. This research offers valuable insights for the revision of professional training programs and curriculum reform in higher education.

졸업학기 대학생의 고용가능성 유형과 수준 분석·충청 소재 A대학을 중심으로

The purpose of this study is to analyze the types and level of employability on the graduation semester students of university. A survey about employability was administered to 223 seniors between Oct. 1 and Nov. 30, 2021. The employability types was analyzed through the hierarchical cluster analysis and employability level was analyzed through the one sample t-test, one-way ANOVA.
 The results of study were as follows: First, graduation semester students' employability could be classified into four types(good employability, deficient information exploration and career preparation, deficient employability, poor employability and goal establishment). The humanities-social sciences majors were found to be the most numerous in cluster 1, the natural-engineering majors in cluster 3, and the arts-physical education majors in cluster 2. Second, graduation semester students' employability was found to be significantly higher than that of university students nationwide in all nine areas of two dimensions. There was a significant level difference between majors in two sub-domains(Goal establishment; Information exploration) of the employment readiness and all of sub-domains of employment suitability.
 Based on these results, discriminative intervention plan considering the types and level of employability in education and support for the enhancement of employability of university students were discussed.

The Influence of Character Education on the Job Readiness of Islamic Higher Education Students

This study investigates the connection between character education and the readiness for employment in the context of chemistry education students. The research employs a quantitative descriptive approach and a correlational method to examine this relationship. Sixty-nine chemistry education students were randomly selected from a population of 220 students through random sampling to participate in this research. The data collected were subjected to analysis using the Pearson Product-Moment correlation method. The analysis results unveiled a statistically significant positive correlation between character education and work readiness among chemistry education students (r = 0.532, p = 0.000 < 0.01). This outcome suggests that character education is associated with an improved state of preparedness for work among students. The implications of these findings emphasize the importance of incorporating character education into the chemistry education curriculum. Doing so is vital for equipping students with the holistic self-preparation necessary to succeed in a competitive job market and face the challenges of the professional world more effectively.

Health professional graduate perspectives of practice education during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction: COVID-19 created a need to rapidly adapt practice education placements to minimise the impact on students’ progression to graduation. Physiotherapy and occupational therapy students at one university completed their final practice education placement between April and May 2020, during the period when health care was urgently adapting to the developing pandemic. 
 Aim: This study explored the impact of this final placement on new graduates, following their employment. 
 Method: 10 students took part in 3 online focus groups to share their experiences and perceptions of the impact on their preparedness for professional practice 
 Results: Four themes emerged from the analysis of transcripts including: 1. Coping with uncertainty, 2. Rising to the challenge, 3. Developing skills and competence and 4. Readiness for employment in the “new world” of practice. Overall, the study demonstrates the resilience of students in response to these unusual circumstances. Strategies including peer support, demonstration of learning, and client-centredness increased confidence and the development of professional identity. 
 Conclusion: Graduates identified both positive and negative experiences of placement during COVID-19, but overall felt proud that they had demonstrated resilience and developed skills relevant to their current employment as professionals.

Macro-educational approach on employment psychological disorders among college students: an educational psychology perspective

BackgroundThe psychological barrier of college students in employment is increasingly serious in contemporary society, which has a serious impact on their mental health and employment prospects. Macro-education model is an education mode that pays full attention to the development of students. By providing more diversified and comprehensive educational resources, it is expected to alleviate the psychological barriers of college students in employment.Research subjects and MethodsThis study selected 50 college students from a certain university as the research subjects, and collected data through questionnaire surveys and on-site observations. The main data collected is information on the degree of employment psychological barriers among college students and the effectiveness of macro education models in alleviating their employment psychological barriers. In this study, SPSS software was used to process and analyze the collected data.ResultsThe results showed that the degree of psychological barriers in employment was relatively low among the college students who accepted the macro-education model. By providing abundant employment guidance and practical opportunities, the macro education model enhances college students’ confidence and readiness for employment.ConclusionsFrom the perspective of psychology, the macro education model has a certain easing effect on the psychological barriers of college students in employment. By providing more diversified and comprehensive educational resources, this mode of education helps college students to enhance their confidence and readiness for employment, and reduce anxiety and pressure.

Development and Validation of Heutagogical Survey Items

The development of survey items includes the preparing and validating the items. A construct validity and reliability are two important concepts in survey research that are used to assess the quality of survey items. This study was conducted to generate on the construct validity process of the survey items in heutagogy elements specifically for vocational learning. Items have been developed based on relevant literature and the context of vocational education in particular leads to readiness for employment. Therefore, to go through the process of validity and reliability of the items, this study involved 100 students from Vocational Colleges to response the survey items. There are 71 items in a set of questionnaires with six elements consists of Exploring, Collaborating, Relationship, Creating, Reflection and Sharing. The data was analysed based on Rasch Model as statistical measurement model that can be used to assess the validity and reliability of research instruments. The construct validity was examined by analysing the point-measure correlation index, infit, and outfit values; meanwhile, the reliability was examined by analysing the item reliability index. The results have shown that the findings of the analysis found seven items dropped because the items did not meet the requirements of the established analysis. By analysing the data collected from the questionnaire, the final instrument shows a total of 64 items suitable for measuring six elements of heutagogy. The Rasch Model differs from other measurement models in reliability assessment by focusing on one-dimensionality, assessing both person and item reliability, enabling item calibration, and providing fit statistics. Hence, this systematic approach may facilitate researcher to improve the items to produce the good quality of research instrument.

Predicting graduate employment: the relationship among social skills, performance and motivation in cosmetology education graduates

There have been many studies focusing on graduate tracing. However, they were still determining how likely the graduates will work following their interests and the fields of knowledge they have studied. This study aimed at gaining improved awareness of cosmetology education graduates' employment readiness concerning social skills, performance, and work motivation. This explanatory research used the entire research population of the last two years, as many as 70 graduates. Data collection was carried out using a questionnaire on each variable studied. While the analysis method used a structural equation model (Warp-PLS) to confirm the model's accuracy while testing the influence of variables on other variables and verifying that the instruments utilized were valid and dependable. The results proved that social skills, performance and work motivation directly and significantly affect graduate job readiness. Graduates' social skills and performance also affected job readiness in the field. The social skills of graduates were higher in influence than the performance and motivation of graduates in work readiness, with a difference of 0.391. These results implied a need to improve soft communication skills and spiritual provision in addition to the competencies that graduates already have.

Student Loans, Employment Readiness, and Labor Market Outcomes

We study whether student debt impacts individuals’ ability to adequately prepare for the labor market. Using no-loans financial aid policies as an exogenous shock to student loans, we find that student loans negatively impact students’ ability to have an internship that is related to the students chosen major. Internships are also shown to be positively associated with the likelihood of finding a job, the likelihood of finding employment in a related field of study, and job satisfaction. Student debt similarly dampens the positive effects of mentoring, professor support, and the school’s effort to prepare students for the labor market.