Bridging the skills gap: Technical and vocational education and training student competencies and labor market alignment in Oman

Abstract

This study investigates the vocational and technical skills of final-year students enrolled in Omani government vocational colleges and the extent to which these skills align with labor market needs. The research aligns with the goals of Oman Vision 2040, which emphasizes workforce readiness and economic diversification. Despite reforms in technical and vocational education and training (TVET), employers continue to report skill mismatches. A quantitative cross-sectional design was used in this study. Four hundred students from eight public vocational colleges were surveyed. A validated questionnaire measured three dimensions: vocational skills, technical skills, and alignment with labor market demands. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Pearson's correlation coefficient. Students reported moderate-to-high levels of vocational (Mean [M] = 3.62) and technical (M = 3.55) skills, but perceived alignment with labor market demands (M = 3.40) was slightly lower compared to their reported vocational and technical skills. Although no significant gender differences were found, technical skills differed significantly across specializations, with engineering students scoring the highest. A moderate positive correlation (r = 0.57, P < 0.001) was found between skill levels and perceived labor market alignment. While students perceived themselves to be moderately skilled, gaps remained between the types and levels of skills they possessed, and the specific competencies employers required. Enhancing practical training, integrating soft skills, and expanding work-based learning to improve graduate employability are recommended. This study's insights can inform policymakers and educators aiming to improve TVET outcomes in Oman.