Strategies For Enhancing Employability Skills Of College Students In Erode District

Abstract

Higher education institutions play a pivotal role in shaping the career readiness of students. However, traditional curriculum frameworks often emphasize theoretical knowledge over practical, skill-based learning. In today’s rapidly evolving job market, employability skills have emerged as critical determinants of a graduate’s success in securing and sustaining meaningful employment. These skills, which include communication, teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, and digital literacy, go beyond academic knowledge and are essential for navigating the dynamic demands of the modern workplace. In India, particularly in semi-urban and rural districts like Erode, there exists a noticeable gap between the skills acquired by students during their college education and the expectations of employers. This gap often results in decreased job opportunities and underemployment among graduates, underscoring the urgent need for strategic interventions to enhance employability skills at the college level. Despite academic qualifications, many graduates struggle to meet industry expectations due to a lack of practical and soft skills. Hence, this study aimed to examine the strategies for enhancing employability skills of Arts and Science college students in Erode district. This study adopts a descriptive research design and utilizes quantitative methods to gather information from students regarding strategies for enhancing employability skills. The study population has involved students from Arts and Science colleges in Erode, Tamilnadu. The primary data are collected from 350 randomly selected students through a structured questionnaire using a 5-point Likert’s scale and managed by using MS-Excel software. The sample data are analyzed using statistical tools such as percentage analysis, mean score, standard deviation, ANOVA, correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis with the help of SPSS version 27.0 whereas the null hypotheses is framed to examine the significant relationship between selected independent variables and strategies for enhancing employability skills.