DEVELOPING COMPETENCIES OF GRADUATES THROUGH WORK-BASED EDUCATION

Abstract

The study of developing proficiencies of graduates through work-based education purposes 1) to study the satisfaction of entrepreneurs toward graduates with English language programs, 2) to investigate the expectations of entrepreneurs toward graduates and 3) to propose the guidelines for developing the graduate’s proficiency in the fields of business English through Work-based Education that meets the needs of labor market.  The subject are business serviced entrepreneurs who emphasis English language such as modern trades, health and medical services, airline services, hospitality and tourism services.  There are 10 experienced and knowledgeable experts in the service sector and 300 business-serviced entrepreneurs. This research uses mixed methods. The quantitative method used the questionnaires and the results were analyzed by using statistic program with mean score and standard deviation.  The qualitative method used a focus group discussion in this study and the data was analyzed with content analysis. 

The results of the study show that: 1) entrepreneurs need the institutions improve their English-language graduates' competencies such as writing and translation skills, especially focusing on creative writing which has no form or template. 2) the expectation of the entrepreneurs found that the graduates should have more knowledge in English for specific purposes; medical services, selling products, and health and wellness due to the entrepreneur’s expectation emphasises on communicative English for service, selling, and increasing sales. Finally, 3) the guideline of developing competencies of graduates according to labour market, educational institute should develop business English for graduates and the curriculum should emphasis on writing and translation ability.  Particularly, Management skills, immediate problem-solving skills are necessary.