Employability of Vocational School Leavers with Disabilities

• Published in: Procedia, social and behavioral sciences social and behavioral sciences, 2014-02, Vol.112, p.1064-1069
• Main Authors: Yusof, Anizam Mohamed, Ali, Manisah Mohd, Salleh, Amla Mohd
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: disabilities; employability; school leavers; vocational skills
• ISSN: 1877-0428; 1877-0428
• DOI: 10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.01.1270

Employability of vocational school leavers with disabilities has been often an issue at the national and international levels. The purpose of this study is to identify the employability and working patterns of vocational school leavers with disabilities. The survey involved 99 school leavers with disabilities who have had previous vocational training at a vocational school for special needs. Data were collected using a set of questionnaires and were statistically analysed. Chi-square test was also used to identify the difference between types of disability with job fields which are relevant to their vocational skills. The result showed that 69 school leavers were employed with 24 of them are currently working in the area related to the skill trained in the vocational school. The chi-square results showed a significant difference between school leavers’ type of disability and the employment gained based on their trained vocational skills. Employability of school leavers with disabilities has reached almost 70%, but unfortunately most of them were not employed based on their vocational skills from school. Improvements can be made by reviewing appropriate job market which suits with the type of disability.