Soft Skills in Work-Based Learning: Unlocking Graduate Success

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🎓 What does it really take to be job-ready in today’s evolving workforce? In this video, we explore how Work-Based Learning (WBL) programs are transforming higher education by developing the soft skills that graduates need most — and employers demand.

Based on a comprehensive systematic literature review (2013–2023), this episode dives deep into the critical soft skills developed through WBL experiences and the strategies that help students cultivate them.

🔑 Why Soft Skills Matter:
While technical expertise is essential, thriving in the workplace requires communication, teamwork, adaptability, and emotional intelligence. Yet, a persistent skills gap remains between what employers seek and what graduates offer.

🔍 Top Soft Skills Developed through WBL:
Grouped by the OECD Learning Framework, the review identifies over 50 soft skills, including:

Communication Skills: Most frequently cited, but often underdeveloped in graduates.

Teamwork: Core to leadership, collaboration, and interpersonal effectiveness.

ICT Skills: Practical and increasingly essential, though less emphasized in WBL settings.
Other frequently mentioned skills include problem-solving, networking, and self-management.

🛠️ How Are These Skills Developed?
Two powerful strategies emerged:

Reflection:

STAR technique (Situation, Task, Actions, Result)

Reflective logs, feedback loops, and Socratic questioning

Helps students integrate theory with real-world experience

Personal Connections & Networking:

Mentorship, employer feedback, and peer collaboration

Closer university–industry relationships enhance learning and workplace readiness

📚 Practical Implications:
Understanding how WBL fosters soft skills can enhance curriculum design, student outcomes, and employer satisfaction — ultimately bridging the education-to-employment gap.

📈 Research Overview:
This review analyzes 29 studies using the PRISMA-P methodology, ensuring a transparent and systematic evaluation of WBL’s impact on employability skill development.

💡 Future Directions:
More research is needed to refine strategies, optimize mentoring, and embed reflection as a central part of WBL design.


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