Page 38 - IRC Research Abstracts _ Souvenir_Neat 9 6

ACADEMIC, WORKPLACE AND INDUSTRY-WIDE COMPETENCIES:
BASIS FOR EMPLOYABILITY

Nancy L. De Guia, PhDM
Dean, Southville Institute of Tourism
Southville International School and Colleges
Las Pinas, Philippines

ABSTRACT

There has been a clamor from the hospitality industry for higher education institutions to ensure
that graduating students have already acquired the skills and competencies needed by the
industry upon employment. This study, however, finds that there is still a gap on the proficiency
levels of fresh graduates vis-à-vis the acceptable levels as assessed by industry practitioners. In
particular, the study looks into three categories—academic, workplace, and industry-wide
competencies—through the use of descriptive quantitative research methods. The results show
that while there were high levels of agreement among the industry stakeholders on the
importance of the said competencies, there remains a gap between the proficiency levels of
students and the expectations of the industry practitioners. Hence, these identified gaps will be
the basis to develop a more responsive curriculum that will provide high employability
experience for the fresh graduates.

KEYWORDS
Academic, workplace, industry-wide competencies, fresh graduates, industry practitioners,
alumni, practicum students, industry partners.