The complexity of graduate employability for ODL
By Dr Jako Olivier
COL Adviser: Higher Education
It is not surprising that ‘complexity’ and ‘employability’ have similar etymological roots; issues around employability appear to be complex and potentially problematic in terms of open and distance learning #ODL. Firstly, emphasising employability as a goal for universities may not only narrow the focus but also go against what a university can and should be. Furthermore, when it comes to #ODL, in many cases, students are already employed, making this a moot point.
However, higher education institutions find themselves at a crossroads in an ever-evolving higher education landscape where the nature of knowledge and the job market are shaped by technological advances, particularly the rise of generative artificial intelligence #AI. The relevance of courses, the soaring cost of qualifications, and the pressing need to enhance employability have become important points of discussion. As universities grapple with their role in this changing environment, it’s crucial to reevaluate how they prepare students for the dynamic employment landscape.
Employability, the ability to secure and sustain employment throughout one’s career, is central to this discussion. The increased emphasis on job outcomes and the commercialisation of higher education reflects a response to external needs. However, the fundamental question lingers: Is graduate employability the primary purpose of the higher education #ODL sector?
From recent employability interventions by the #COL4D and as per the #COL4D
Strategic Plan 2021-2027, we aim to assist in the development and implementation of employability frameworks; certain key successes stand out:
Localised institutional solutions: Tailored approaches are needed to address regional employability challenges. Institutions must understand the national and institutional context, fostering collaboration with relevant stakeholders to identify beneficial contributions.
Staff capacity building: Equipping staff with digital literacy and #ODL skills is essential. Conducting a needs assessment and implementing ongoing professional development ensures educators are well-prepared for the digital era.
Authentic assessment: Linking higher education to the workplace requires authentic assessment tasks.
#COL4D offers support for institutions in developing not only employability skills but also authentic assessments for #ODL.
Holistic institution-wide approaches: Instead of isolated interventions, institutions should adopt comprehensive, inclusive strategies. Responsibility for graduate employability should extend beyond specific departments and centres to encompass the entire institution.
Policy and practice integration: Graduate employability skills should be embedded in policy and practice. Interventions should not be limited to policy drafting but should extend into teaching and learning practices that nurture employability.
In conclusion, as the world undergoes profound changes in the job market and the role of #AI, universities must prepare students to be adaptable and resilient. Support for universities is crucial, emphasising the need for robust policies and implementation frameworks. Staff development, particularly in digital skills, is a linchpin in this endeavour. While many higher education institutions find them in a digitally divided world, a contextualised and data-driven realignment is imperative to address employability challenges in #ODL.
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#col4d believes that standing up for the rights of others means standing up for the humanity we share. On 10 December 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights – the first global enunciation of human rights and one of the first major achievements of the new #UnitedNations – was declared. To commemorate the occasion, #HumanRightsDay is celebrated annually around the world on 10 December. #col4d believes that standing up for the rights of others means standing up for the humanity we share.
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Vanuatu: Youth empowerment through skilling.
Recently, two youth training programmes were successfully completed in Vanuatu with #COL’s partners, V-Lab and Youth Challenge Vanuatu (YCV).
Under YCV’s ‘Ready for Business’ programme, 50 youths underwent intensive entrepreneurship training, covering various aspects of business development and management. Another programme, ‘Ready for Work’, trained 46 youths in employability skills such as computer and job-seeking skills, followed by an eight-week internship programme. These programmes were offered as part of the Partnership for ODFL in the Pacific Project.
One such success story is that of Mr Kalonuk Erikan – a 26-year-old clothing business owner who enrolled in the Ready for Business programme – which has equipped him with invaluable skills and knowledge in business management. After his participation in this programme, Mr. Erikan expressed that he gained skills which would help provide more control over his finances, leverage online marketing, and wisely manage his time and customer relationships.
Now, he sees the potential for growth in his small business and is committed to training and employing staff while sharing his knowledge and skills with others in his community.
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