Perceived Employability of Moroccan Engineering Students: a PLS-SEM Approach

Abstract

This study aims to build an employability model on the skills of young Moroccans, their perceptions of the competencies towards the labour market, and enhance the understanding of the employment landscape through an exploratory study based on the Conference Board of Canada (Employability Skills 2000+). Therefore, the competencies and skills under discussion are presented according to the Employability Skills 2000+ model; comprising Fundamental skills (FS), Personal Management Skills (PMS), and Teamwork skills (TWS). Accordingly, the approach used the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with SmartPLS software. The primary data was collected through a survey of Moroccan engineering students from the ENSAK (National School of Applied Sciences of Kenitra in English) belonging to the Ibn Tofail University of Kenitra. The survey participants included 411 students from six departments, relying on the non-probability and voluntary response sampling methodology. Finally, the results obtained revealed different perceptions regarding the priorities of certain skills in the labor market; where Personal Management Skills (PMS), Teamwork Skills (TWS), and Work Safely (WS) were perceived as highly demanded in the professional context with a medium effect on the model. Otherwise, the remains elements and features have a small effect and impact on the model, especially the fundamental skills and its sub-constructs.