Marketability and Workability of Public Institute of Higher Education Graduates From the Employers’ Perspective

Abstract

This study aims to examine the perception of employers on the marketability and workability of Public Institute of Higher Education graduates. The study sample consists of 50 employers, both from natives and non-natives from the state of Selangor, Malaysia. Aspects that are researched in relation to the marketability include basic academic skills, high-level thinking skills and individual quality while the workability aspect is seen in terms of work planning and ability to perform work. The results of the study found that employers' perception of basic academic skills, individual quality and ability to perform are high. Yet, employers' perception is moderate towards high-level thinking and job planning. The study found that there was no significant difference between male and female employers as well the age of the employer on the marketability and workability of Public Institute of Higher Education graduates. However, the study found that there is a significant difference between the perceptions of service sector employers (in the government sector) and non-service sector employers (in the private sector) in terms of basic academic skills and job planning. The implications of the study and recommendations to improve the marketability and workability of Public Institute of Higher Education graduates are also discussed.