Integrated employability skills gaps in Malaysia: An empirical study of Community College graduates

A strong set of employability skills enhances graduates’ chances in the job market. A fast developing country such as Malaysia needs to help its graduates closing their employability gaps. This study examined whether gaps exist between the employability skills integrated in the teaching and learning process and those deemed vital and crucial to be mastered by Malaysia’s Community College graduates . Primary data were gathered from 103 industry employers and 162 graduates of the electric field in the Community College. Results of the statistical analysis revealed that there existed significant gaps between the employability skills elements of communication, information management, self-management, professional ethics, leadership, and teamwork that had been integrated in the teaching and learning process and the skills that the graduates actually needed to master in the electric field. The findings pointed to the imperative of lecturers at the College Community responsibly focusing and integrating the employability skills that were still lacking or missing, including additionally curriculum improvements .