Bridging Skill Gaps: An Exploration of IT Graduate Readiness for Industry Demand in Central Province in Sri Lanka
SBDC Ratnayake *
Business School, Asia Pacific Institute of Information Technology (APIIT), Sri Lanka.
HY Dahanayake
Management and Science University, Malaysia.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Information technology is one of the most emerging industry and demands keeps on increasing. This study investigates the factors influencing IT graduates’ capacity to satisfy industry demands. However, a number of concerns have arisen in the industry regarding the preparedness of IT graduates. The study used a qualitative method, particularly semi-structured interviews with nine recent graduates and an interpretivist research philosophy to investigate gaps. Using semi-structured interviews with nine graduates, the study explores several themes. According to the findings, IT curricula frequently fall short with industry needs, with a notable gap in hands-on training and exposure to modern technologies such as cloud computing. The findings about IT curriculums falling short of industry needs highlighted main themes, including gaps in curriculum, lack of practical exposure and the need for industry collaboration. This study concludes with recommendations for curriculum reforms, greater industry-academic collaboration and better access to professional development programmes. The study's additional implications indicate that in order to create long-lasting workforce development initiatives, policymakers must promote cooperation between academia and industry.
Keywords: Graduate employability, industry demand, IT curriculum, IT graduates, skill gap, Sri Lanka