A framework for employability skills of consumer science graduates

English: With the high graduate unemployment rate in South Africa, universities are realising the importance of delivering students with employability skills to attain employment and succeed in the work environment. A gap in the literature was identified, since no framework could be found that described the employability skills that consumer science employers require from employees. Hence, this study aims to construct a framework regarding the employability skills of consumer science graduates, including the teaching and learning strategies and assessment methods which can be used to ensure that graduates have mastered the needed skills. In order to reach the aim of this study, a mixed methods approach was followed. During the first phase of the study, questionnaire surveys were completed by consumer science employers, graduates, lecturers and students to determine which skills consumer science graduates need when entering the workplace. During this phase, 11 essential employability skills of consumer science graduates were identified and investigated. The second phase of the study comprised of focus group discussions with consumer science lecturers to determine the teaching and learning strategies that must be used to enhance the identified employability skills, as well as the assessment methods which must be used to ensure students have obtained the required skills. It was found that a variety of strategies can enhance the attainment of employability skills. The gap in literature was filled by constructing a framework of employability skills for consumer science graduates. This framework can be implemented by consumer science lecturers aiming to enhance the employability skills of consumer science graduates. This outcome can be beneficial for the university delivering more employable graduates as well as the industry who will receive more skilled employees.