GRADUATE EMPLOYABILITY FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF EMPLOYERS IN BATTICALOA DISTRICT

Abstract

This study investigates the mismatch between graduates and employers in the labor market. Specifically, it examines how different skills affect graduate employability. The study examines nine major independent variables such as Critical Thinking Skills, Analytical Skills, Technology skills, capacity for innovation, leadership, Management skills, Organizational and Commercial Awareness. A thorough examination of these variables leads to the assessment of the dependent variable of graduate employability.

The target population includes 104 heads who are in private and public sectors in Batticaloa District. Data was collected from 104 respondents across the Batticaloa District using online Google Forms and distribute questionnaires(structured questionnaire). In public sector, 84 heads within 14 divisional secretary offices across six divisions and 20 heads in private sector considered as sample population. The study utilized the sampling frame and adopted a quantitative research approach. SPSS software was used to assess data reliability and accuracy and to explore the relationships between the dependent and independent variables. Various analyses were conducted, including a Cronbach's Alpha, Pearson Correlation Analysis, Regression Analysis' The results indicated that all the variable in both sectors such as Critical Thinking Skills, Analytical Skills, Technology Skills, Communication Skills, Interpersonal Skills, Problem Solving Skills, Capacity for Innovation, Leadership, Management Skills, Organizational and Commercial Awareness have a significant positive relationship with the graduate employability in the Batticaloa District.