BRIDGING THE GAP: EMPLOYER AND STUDENT PERSPECTIVES ON GREEN SKILLS DEVELOPMENT FOR INDUSTRY PREPAREDNESS AND CURRICULUM ENHANCEMENT IN HIGHER EDUCATION TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

Abstract

The transition to a sustainable economy necessitates equipping future professionals with green skills; however, disparities persist between industry expectations and higher education curricula. This mixed-methods study, conducted during Academic Year 2024–2025, explores employer and student perspectives on green skills development to enhance industry preparedness and align academic training with labor market needs. Surveys completed by 30 employers and 100 students, alongside 10 expert interviews, uncovered critical gaps in sustainability competencies, particularly in practical and interdisciplinary skills. Employers emphasized technical expertise and systems thinking, while students advocated for experiential and integrated learning opportunities. Institutional barriers including siloed curricula and resource constraints were identified. The study highlights the importance of collaborative curriculum redesign involving academia, industry, and policymakers. Recommendations focus on embedding sustainability across disciplines, fostering partnerships, and adopting innovative pedagogies to better equip graduates for sustainable careers. These findings contribute to advancing higher education’s role in sustainable development.