Validation of the Polish Version of the Perceived Future Employability Scale (PFES)

This study aimed to adapt and validate the Polish version of the Perceived Future Employability Scale (PFES) and verify its factor structure among university students. Drawing on Social Cognitive Career Theory and the concept of possible selves, this study analysed how students perceive their future employment opportunities. This research was conducted among 408 students (61.0% female, 39.0% male; age: M = 20.97, SD = 2.68) at Maria Curie-Skłodowska University. Exploratory factor analysis using Principal Axis Factoring with Oblimin rotation revealed a six-factor structure explaining 63.74% of total variance. Based on stringent psychometric criteria (primary loadings ≥0.50, cross-loadings <0.30), six items exhibiting weak or problematic loadings were systematically removed, yielding a refined 18-item version that maintains all 6 theoretical dimensions while improving model fit. Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated excellent fit using DWLS estimation (CFI = 0.996, RMSEA = 0.053) and acceptable fit with ML estimation (CFI = 0.958, RMSEA = 0.062). Reliability analysis demonstrated good-to-excellent internal consistency (α = 0.756–0.903; ω = 0.754–0.893) and adequate convergent validity (AVE = 0.612–0.785). Full measurement invariance across gender was established. The final Polish PFES comprises six dimensions: perceived future network, perceived expected experiences, perceived future personal characteristics, anticipated reputation of educational institution, perceived future labour market knowledge, and perceived future skills. The PFES provides a psychometrically sound tool for career development research and interventions supporting UN Sustainable Development Goals 4 and 8.