Employability in Context : Labour Market Needs, Skills Gaps and Graduate Employability Development in Regional Vietnam

This book explores the issue of graduate employability in regional Vietnam. It provides a critical discussion of not only the demands of the labour market but also the practices and challenges in the development of graduate employability and career capacity building at the national, institutional and individual levels. It discusses graduate employability in Vietnam by analysing government and institutional policies and taking into account the perspectives and experiences of three key stakeholders: employers, graduates and universities. The book highlights the development of ‘employability in context’ for graduates in regional Vietnam to be able to adapt to the specific social, cultural and demographic conditions of the region and tackle new employment challenges. Acknowledgements Contents List of Figures List of Tables 1: Higher Education, Graduate Employability and Labour Market Introduction Graduate Employability and Employment Outcomes Labour Market and Employer Expectations Graduate Employability Development in Higher Education The Framework for Conceptualising Graduate Employability Focus of the Book Structure of the Book References 2: Labour Market Demands, Graduate Employability and Employment Outcomes in Vietnam Introduction Graduate Employability and Employment Outcomes in Vietnam Graduate Employability Development in Vietnam Roles and Responsibilities of Key Stakeholders Focus of Graduate Employability Development Opportunities for Vietnamese Graduates Employment Opportunities Brought About by an Emerging and Globally Integrated Economy Employment Opportunities Brought About by Government Policies and Initiatives The Northern Mountainous Region of Vietnam Overview of the Region Education in the Northern Mountainous Region Employment in Northern Mountainous Region Conclusion References 3: Vietnamese Government’s View on Graduate Employability Introduction Selection and Analysis of Strategies, Policies and Initiatives Related to Graduate Employability Development Graduate Employability Development Viewed in National Policies on Socio-Economic Development Graduate Employability Development as a Key Dimension of Educational Reforms Enhancing Graduate Employability Through Changes to Laws on General Education Strengthening Vocational Education and Training Reforming Higher Education Strengthening Career Counselling and Employment Services Selected Initiatives to Enhance Graduate Employability National Foreign Language Project 2020 Supporting Student Entrepreneurship Towards 2025 Conclusion References 4: Employers’ Expectations on Graduate Employability in Vietnam Introduction Literature Review Methodology Discussion of Findings Employability Skills (Fig. 4.1) Interpersonal Skills Communication Skills Presentation and Public Speaking Skills Teamwork Skills Self-Learning and Continuous Learning Problem-Solving, Decision-Making and Critical Thinking Skills Skills to Initiate and Organise Activities Innovation and Entrepreneurship Foreign Language and Minority Language Skills Information Technology (IT) Skills Knowledge Subject-Relevant Knowledge Practical Knowledge Local Knowledge Cross/Intercultural Knowledge Knowledge About the Law, Regulations and Policies Personal Attributes Respect Modesty and Self-Awareness Empathy Commitment Adaptability and Flexibility Ability to Cope with Pressure and Resilience Responsibility and Punctuality Discussion and Conclusion References 5: Employers’ Approaches to Assessing Graduate Employability Introduction Selection Tools and Criteria Selection Approaches Graduate Recruitment Practices in Vietnam The Study Formal Recruitment Planning Job Advertisement Receiving Applications Profile Screening Interviews Tests Real-Life Tasks Probation Informal Recruitment Direct Selection Conclusion References 6: Graduates’ Perspectives on Employability in Vietnam Introduction Employability Skills and the Labour Market Employability Development Methodology Findings Skills Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills Interpersonal Skills Communication Skills Presentation Skills Language Skills IT Skills Self-Learning and Continuous Learning Knowledge Subject-Relevant Knowledge Practical Knowledge Local Knowledge Attributes Commitment Discipline Discussion and Conclusion References 7: University Perspectives on Graduate Employability in Vietnam Introduction Research Design Findings and Discussion University Academics and Leaders’ Perceptions of Important Employability Skills, Knowledge and Attributes of New Graduates, Compared to Employers’ Requirements Conclusion References 8: Graduate Employability Development from University Perspectives Introduction Universities’ Implemented Strategies to Enhance Graduate Employability Challenges Encountered by Universities in Graduate Employability Development Conclusion References 9: Labour Market Needs, Skills Gaps and Employability Development: The Way Forward Introduction Key Findings Recommendations Recommendation 1: Curriculum Reform to Enhance Graduate Employability Recommendation 2: Enhancement of Work-Integrated Learning and Professional Experience Recommendation 3: Coherent, Coordinated and Holistic Whole-Institution Approach to Developing Graduate Employability Recommendation 4: Establishment of Employability Development and Career Support Services Recommendation 5: Provide Support for Students to Develop Their Professional Portfolio from the First Year and Throughout Their Undergraduate Study Recommendation 6: Targeted Professional Learning for Staff to Enhance Graduate Employability Recommendations 7: Ensure More Shared Understandings and Collaboration Among Related Stakeholders Concluding Remarks References Index