Surveying an Employability Skills Model for Vocational Stream Students with Learning Disabilities to Meet Industry Demands

Abstract

The unemployment issue among Vocational Stream Students with Learning Disabilities (VSSwLD) is a growing concern in Malaysia. This condition worsens with a mismatch between students’ employability skills and industry requirements. Relying on online questionnaires administered to SMPKV leavers nationwide, this quantitative study identifies the marketability level of VSSwLD leavers and how to develop a model to meet industry demand. Rasch Model with Winstep software version 3.69.1.11 was used to analyze the frequency, means, and percentage scores. Results show that the level of students’ marketability is very low and therefore a model to develop their skills to meet industry demand is deemed necessary. This model serves as a guide to equip VSSwLD with the necessary skills needed by the industry before their study completion. The study also provides a reference for teachers on how to support the development of the employability skills of their students. Keywords: employability skills, industry demands, students with learning disabilities, unemployment, vocational stream