Employability among labor force in Kota Bharu, Kelantan: A study at MARA Kota Bharu / Norintan Syazrina Nor Azman

The research was conducted to assess employability among graduates in Kota Bharu, Kelantan focusing on graduates in the area of Kota Bharu, Kelantan.The researcher distributed the questionnaire to 100 respondents of labor force in Kota Bharu, Kelantan. Employability of labor force is the dependent variable while employability skills, personal qualities and soft skills are the independent variables being selected by the researcher. Employability skills are a group of important skills instilled in each individual in order to produce productive workforce (Fitrisehara Kazilan et al., 2009). Soft skills incorporating the aspects of generic skill include non-academic skills such as leadership, teamwork, communication and lifelong learning (Malaysian Institute of Higher Learning, 2006). Personal qualities are sought as proxies for skills or the ability to acquire skills (Alan Mumford, 1994). This study measures the employability of labor force by using the duration time period for labor force to be employed. This consists of duration less than six months, seven to twelve months, one to two years and more than two years. Based on this study, most of the labor forces are able to be employed within the duration of seven to twelve month. The results from this study show that there is an association or relationship between these dependent variable and independent variables. The finding also shows that these independent variables are the most contributed factor towards employability of labor force. Thus, the researcher provides several recommendations and suggestions regarding the study, and the researcher hopes that future graduates can increase those skills and personal qualities by joining programs or strategies that are implemented by the higher learning institution and working department.