Bridging the Employability Gap: A Comprehensive Analysis of Skill Deficiencies among Graduates from Punjab's Public Sector Universities

Abstract

The growing unemployment rates around the world, and especially in Pakistan, are a major cause for alarm. Graduates' lack of employability skills is a major contributor to this problem, which is worsened by flaws in the educational system and regional economic realities. This study aims to examine the obstacles associated with employability and skill gaps that graduates encounter when seeking employment that aligns with their academic qualifications. In this regard, data was collected from a sample of 400 individuals enrolled in public sector universities by using survey method. This data was obtained by the administration of a questionnaire that employed a five-point Likert scale. The study results indicate that graduates from public sector universities demonstrate deficiencies in essential employability abilities, including communication, creativity, critical thinking, teamwork, leadership, and decision-making. These qualities are highly sought after in both the private and public sectors. Most participants expressed discontent with the extent of employability skills obtained through public sector education. Therefore, it is quite advisable to implement significant enhancements inside the public educational system. An essential measure would be the integration of entrepreneurship into the curricula of universities across the country, enhancing students' understanding and promoting self-sufficiency. Implementing these reforms is crucial to cultivate graduates who possess the necessary employability skills necessary for thriving in their professional endeavors.