PARALLEL PATHWAYS: LABOUR MIGRATION AND THE CAREER READINESS OF KERALA'S PROFESSIONAL STUDENTS

Abstract The study witnesses a steady influx of blue-collar migrant labourers from other states, and its own professional graduates face underemployment or seek opportunities abroad. This study explores the coexistence of these two parallel labour dynamics, focusing on assessing the career readiness of Kerala’s professional students in the context of the evolving labour market. The primary aim of this research is to evaluate the preparedness of professional students in Kerala to meet the demands of the local and global labour markets, in contrast with the increasing dependence on migrant labour for manual and semi-skilled work. The research is grounded in human capital and dual labour market theories, providing a theoretical framework to understand the disconnect between education and employment. The study employs a descriptive and exploratory research design to investigate how educational outcomes and market realities diverge. A sample of 385 professional students from various disciplines across Kerala was selected using stratified random sampling. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires. To analyse the data, the study uses descriptive statistics, exploratory analysis, and a regression-based prediction model to assess the relationship between students’ preparedness and their perceived employability. The scope of the study extends to educational institutions, policymakers, and labour stakeholders, offering insights into bridging skill gaps and aligning professional education with current labour market needs. The findings are expected to inform strategies that can balance the dual trends of external labour dependence and graduate underemployment in Kerala. Key words: Labour Migration, Career Readiness, Professional Students, Employability Skills, Labour Market Gap