Understanding the links between ICT skills training and employability

Abstract

This article proposes an analytical framework to better understand the role that information and communication technology (ICT) skills play in improving employment opportunities for low-income groups. The paper draws upon research with over seventy non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that provide ICT training and other employment services in 30 countries around the world. It explores the linkage between ICT skills and employability on three levels: NGO program design, characteristics of individual job seekers or trainees, and environmental dynamics that influence employment outcomes. The researchers argue that basic ICT skills are often important, but are usually insufficient for members of disadvantaged groups to improve their employment situation. The proposed multilevel framework identifies some of the common elements that help situate basic ICT skills in relation to other factors that can facilitate or impede employability.

Employability Factors: Student’s Point of View

“…Researchers have shown that is basic ICT training is provided to migrant women's also their employment opportunities are increased as compared to the people who are not having ICT skills. [2] Denise Jackson from Edith Cowan University published " Business undergraduates' perceptions of their capabilities in employability skills : Implications for industry and higher education " and did his research on employability skills and their implications for industry and higher education Their study examined the self evaluated capabilities of nearly 1024 undergraduates which are considered important by industry The author has studied an employability learning program running at West Australian University at various years of 4 year degree course to develop employability skills amongst students by providing them workplace environment for business undergraduates [3] Training and Development Survey SPE Research, presented a report in which they did survey to make a picture of skills required in global engineering area and the focus was on Oil and gas industry Their results shows that ability to learn and communication skills are considered as the most important skill for success Ability to learn was considered as most valued attribute amongst all Their survey shows that universities are capable and doing their best to equip candidates with computer knowledge and technical skills but fail to provide writing skills flexibility and work ethics their survey further explored that somehow every individual require some kind of training before they join industry Only 128 candidates agreed that no kind of training is required. [4] Kangdon Lee from University of Northern Colorado presented a paper on "Augmented Reality in Education and Training" author says that there can be different way to teach different people such as classroom teaching, or teaching with latest IT gadgets.…”

A critical review of ICT skills for higher education learners

“…In developed countries basic computer-based ICT skills can be described as the abilities required from an individual to effectively utilise ICT systems and devices in their work [10].…”

Evaluation of information and communication technology sector in the teaching process and strategic collaboration between universities and industry

“…The expectations for competent ICT engineers and specialists have dropped as fresh graduates do not show the desired skills, smartness, and caliber needed at the career level . A consistent relationship between universities and corporates can provide a stable platform for working on missing links …”

“…19 A consistent relationship between universities and corporates can provide a stable platform for working on missing links. 20 It becomes a top priority for the industry to engage with universities beyond research funding and to create a situation where both parties can work together not only to meet their individual goals but to steer social and economic growth. Likewise, universities would fail to justify their roles, if they are not able to produce the adequate knowledge and skill base required in the job market or entrepreneurial settings.…”