Consolidation of employability in Nepal: A reflective look

Abstract

Employability is a construct that includes soft and hard skills to prepare a person to gain employment, progress in it and sustain a career. The employability discourse, in the context of linking education with skills development, has gained increased attention globally. However, engagement with this agenda differs across countries, as it depends on the social, political and economic contexts. Hence it is essential to examine the different aspects of employability, its historical development and strategic interventions to improve it. With this in mind, existing models, policies, frameworks, interventions, reforms and practices in selected countries were analyzed. This analysis was then interwoven with Social Cognitive Career Theory to present a model of employability in Nepal. The model links the family, academic institutions and industries/employers, which are dedicated directly or indirectly to enhancing employability among people. Collaboration and coordination among academic institutions and industries yield various benefits to people entering the job market; importantly, these benefits help students who rarely have opportunities to develop their employability skills in their family environment.