BRIDGING SKILL GAP: A STUDY ON INDUSTRY EXPECTATIONS Vs. GRADUATE COMPETENCIES

The skill gap between industry expectations and graduate competencies has become a critical concern in modern education and employment landscapes. This study examines the disconnect between the skills required by industries and those possessed by recent graduates. Higher educations are consistently blamed for soft skills deficiencies and many are now pursuing policies on the development of generic skills. Industry expectations have evolved alongside technological advancements, globalisation, and changing market needs, while graduate competencies, as developed through formal education. Often struggle to align with these shifting demands. The increasing mismatch between industry needs present gaps and future implications. The research also aims to provide insights into how educational curricular can be redesigned to better equip students with necessary skills to meet the current and future needs of the industry. Bridging these gaps can ensure a more employable and adaptive workforce, enabling industries to thrive in an ere of rapid technological advancement and globalisation. The alignment between industry expectations and graduate competencies has been focal point in higher education and workforce development. It identifies a persistent gap stemming from outdated curricula, limited academia – industry collaborations, and the rapid pace of industry changes. Bridging this gap requires collaborative efforts to prepare graduates for evolving demands of the workforce. It includes integrating work-based learning, fostering lifelong learning, and enhancing career services