Providing skills and expertise applicable to the workplace has always been a central component of universities' provision. However, repeated government initiatives to involve employers more actively in the skills system over the past 60 years have shown few lasting successes. In this paper, Professor David Phoenix reflects on past initiatives and…

Universities tend to focus on the hard skills required within disciplines, with a general lack of focus on the teaching of soft skills, specifically in the hard sciences, while a graduate with good attributes ought to have both. There is an uncertainty over whose responsibility it is to teach soft skills between industry and universities, with the…

Despite the fact that many learners are attracted to the humanities and liberal arts, community college students--particularly those from low-income backgrounds--are often advised to avoid those subjects in favor of STEM-related courses like information technology, health care, and engineering. The reason is clear: unless students have had…

Purpose: This study aims to identify and explore the critical components of Industry 4.0 (IR4.0) talent domains needed by Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students through work-based learning (WBL) programs in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative research design was employed, involving semi-structured…

This study investigates the role of higher education strategies in enhancing the employability of international students in the postpandemic era, employing the USEM (understanding, skills, efficacy beliefs, metacognition) as a theoretical framework. By focusing on targeted interventions, this research explores how higher education institutions…

Purpose: The purpose of this systematic literature review is to identify which soft skills are developed during work-based learning (WBL) programmes in higher education contexts. Additionally, the study sought to identify strategies used to promote soft skills development within work-based learning programmes. Design/methodology/approach: The…

Background/purpose: The Automobile Parts Manufacturing Industry (APMI) is currently facing rapid changes due to continuous technological innovations. These shifts are reshaping the skills required for future workforce participation in the sector. Consequently, it is essential to prepare students with future-oriented competencies that align with…

This study explores the ecosystemic impacts of higher education (HE) on the economies of African countries, emphasizing the need for competence-based, and skills-demand-driven standards in collaboration with industry. HE is vital for equipping individuals with essential knowledge and skills for socio-economic transformation. However, in Africa,…

Purpose: To explore the benefits and challenges of WBL in MET in Thailand. Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative approach was used, involving interviews and surveys with participants from MET. Findings: WBL offers practical experience, improved employability, networking opportunities, and real-world problem-solving skills, industry knowledge,…