Environment and Social Psychology

Establishing the relationship between soft skills and work readiness among vocational students in China

Jing Zhang

1 Faculty of Education, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia 2 Department of Business Administration, Shandong Institute of Commerce and Technology, Jinan,250103, China

Muhammad Hussin

Faculty of Education, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia

Mohamad Zuber Abd Majid

Faculty of Education, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.59429/esp.v10i8.3709

Keywords: soft skills; work readiness, vocational education; employability; labor market; curriculum development

---

Abstract

In today’s dynamic and evolving job market, vocational education plays a vital role in equipping students with practical skills for successful careers. This study investigates the employment challenges faced by vocational students in China, an issue that has become a significant societal concern amidst the rapid expansion of vocational education in recent years. Despite increased enrollment in vocational colleges, the unemployment rate among graduates continues to rise, largely due to a gap between the soft skills of students and the demands of the labor market. The study’s objectives are twofold: (1) to assess the level of soft skills and work readiness among vocational students in China, and (2) to explore the relationship between soft skills and work readiness. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 132 respondents, including 56 male and 76 female students across various majors. Statistical package for social sciences SPSS) Version 26 was used for analyzing the mean score, standard deviations and the correlation analysis.  The analysis reveals that soft skills among vocational students are generally at a moderate level, with mean scores ranging from 2.53 to 3.32. Furthermore, a significant positive correlation between soft skills and work readiness was found (P < 0.01), suggesting that enhanced soft skills could improve students' preparedness for the workforce. Theoretically, this study contributes to the understanding of the role of soft skills in vocational education and their impact on employability. Practically, the findings suggest that vocational education institutions should prioritize soft skills training in their curricula to better align graduates’ abilities with labor market needs, thus enhancing their employability prospects. These insights offer valuable guidance for policymakers and educators in designing curricula that address the growing demand for soft skills in the modern workplace.

---

References

[1]. 1.Poláková, M., Suleimanová, J. H., Madzík, P., Copuš, L., Molnárová, I., & Polednová, J. (2023a). Soft skills and their importance in the labour market under the conditions of Industry 5.0. Heliyon, *9*(8). https://www.cell.com/heliyon/fulltext/S2405-8440(23)05878-4

[2]. 2.Karneli, O., Handayati, R., & Rijal, S. (2024). Enhancement of Soft Skills Competence in Human Resources as a Key Success Factor in the Digital Business Era. Journal of Contemporary Administration and Management (ADMAN), *2*(1), 319–324.

[3]. 3.Huang, Z., & Hou, B. (2023). How Does Economic Resilience Enhance the Innovation Capability of the High-Tech Industry? Evidence from China. Systems, *11*(11), 531.

[4]. 4.McGrath, S., & Yamada, S. (2023). Skills for development and vocational education and training: Current and emergent trends. International Journal of Educational Development, *102*, 102853.

[5]. 5.García-Pérez, L., García-Garnica, M., & Olmedo-Moreno, E. M. (2021). Skills for a working future: How to bring about professional success from the educational setting. Education Sciences, *11*(1), 27.

[6]. 6.Thapa, H. S. (2024). Development of employability skills through work-based learning. Journal of Technical and Vocational Education and Training, *18*(1), 102–111.

[7]. 7.Zong, C. (2024). The internationalization of China's vocational education: Value implications, practices and planning. Vocation, Technology & Education, *1*(3). https://www.hksmp.com/journals/vte/article/view/669

[8]. 8.Adham, T. K. I. (2023). Conflict resolution in team: Analyzing the of conflicts and best skills for resolution. Scholars Journal of Engineering and Technology, *11*(08), 152–162.

[9]. 9.Lee, S. W. (2024). Examining University Students' Soft Skills In Terms Of Problem-Solving And Social Competence: Issues, Causes, And Solutions.... Educational Administration: Theory And Practice, *30*(4), 2063–2072.

[10]. 10.Karani, A., M. Waiganjo, M., & K. Mugambi, D. (2024). The Influence of Education 4.0 on Decision-making and Agripreneurship Start-up Behavior among Agriculture Students in Kenyan TVET Institutions. EAST AFRICAN JOURNAL OF EDUCATION AND SOCIAL SCIENCES, *5*(2), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.46606/eajess2024v05i02.0363

[11]. 11.Lovat, T., & Toomey, R. (2009). Values education and quality teaching: The double helix effect. Springer.

[12]. 12.Pua, M. W. M. (2022). The perception of lifelong learning by adult learners under the context of education transformation in Hong Kong: A study of adult learners' values and experiences in the Continuing Education Fund (CEF) Programme [PhD Thesis, University of Nottingham]. http://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/72040/

[13]. 13.Asefer, A., & Abidin, Z. (2021a). Soft skills and graduates' employability in the 21st century from employers' perspectives: A review of literature. International Journal of Infrastructure Research and Management, *9*(2), 44–59.

[14]. 14.Putra, A. S., Novitasari, D., Asbari, M., Purwanto, A., Iskandar, J., Hutagalung, D., & Cahyono, Y. (2020). Examine relationship of soft skills, hard skills, innovation and performance: The mediation effect of organizational learning. International Journal of Science and Management Studies (IJSMS), 3(3), 27-43.

[15]. 15.Lyu, W., & Liu, J. (2021). Soft skills, hard skills: What matters most? Evidence from job postings. Applied Energy, 300, 117307Alsayed, A. K. (2022). Trust and communication satisfaction as mediators in the relationship between emotional intelligence and work-related outcomes: A conceptual framework. International Journal of Contemporary Management and Information Technology, *2*(2), 1–14.

[16]. 16.Habecker, E. B. (2024). The softer side of leadership: Essential soft skills that transform leaders and the people they lead. InterVarsity Press. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=bLztEAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PT10&dq=Ordinary+employees+who+start+out+with+technical+skills+will+advance+their+careers+through+solid+soft+skills+which+also+protect+their+positions+at+work.+&ots=hKVaNgBhi6&sig=Q3a1nabQmEa4Hw81zezvQIiheq8

[17]. 17.Krishnasamy, H. N. (2024). Exploring the significance and contribution of Vocational Education & Training in meeting the industrial development needs in China. International Journal of Social Science and Business Management, *2*(01), 26–42.

[18]. 18.Wang, X. (2024). Effective skills supply and grand vocational education: Interdisciplinary thinking on China's vocational education. Vocation, Technology & Education, *1*(1). https://www.hksmp.com/journals/vte/article/view/521

[19]. 19.Froese, F. J., & Hong, Y. (2022). The changing role of vocational education in China’s economic transformation. Journal of Vocational Education & Training, *74*(3), 321–337.

[20]. 20.Song, L., Ma, Z., & Sun, J. (2023). The influence of technostress, learning goal orientation, and perceived team learning climate on intra-team knowledge sharing and innovative practices among ICT-enabled team members. Scientometrics, 128(1), 115-136.

[21]. 21.Khilji, N. K., & Roberts, S. A. (2022). Soft Skills Acquisition for the Knowledge Economy: A Research Strategy for Policy Evolution in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Intermediate and Emergent Economies. In M. H. Bilgin, H. Danis, E. Demir, & A. Zaremba (Eds.), Eurasian Business and Economics Perspectives (Vol. 21, pp. 379–398). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-94036-2_21

[22]. 22.Dumitru, D., & Halpern, D. F. (2023). Critical thinking: Creating job-proof skills for the future of work. Journal of Intelligence, *11*(10), 194.

[23]. 23.Wang, W., Hussin, M., & Majid, M. Z. A. (2024). Employment Skills in Tertiary Work-Based Learning: A Multiple-Stakeholder Investigation into China's "3+ 1" Programs. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, *23*(9), 198–219.

[24]. 24.Folger, J. P., Poole, M. S., & Stutman, R. K. (2021). Working through conflict: Strategies for relationships, groups, and organizations. Routledge. https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.4324/9781003027232/working-conflict-joseph-folger-marshall-scott-poole-randall-stutman

[25]. 25.Vithayaporn, S., Yong, S. S., & Chai, E. G. (2021). The integration of self-directed learning and employee competency in the 21st century. Asian Journal of Business Research, *11*(2). https://magscholar.com/ajbr/ajbrv11n2/ajbr210106.pdf

[26]. 26.Poláková, M., Suleimanová, J. H., Madzík, P., Copuš, L., Molnárová, I., & Polednová, J. (2023b). Soft skills and their importance in the labour market under the conditions of Industry 5.0. Heliyon, *9*(8). https://www.cell.com/heliyon/fulltext/S2405-8440(23)05878-4

[27]. 27.Bandura, A. (2023). Social cognitive theory: An agentic perspective on human nature. John Wiley & Sons. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=uEq2EAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PR9&dq=Social+Cognitive+Theory+as+formulated+by+Albert+Bandura+(1997)+provides+the+foundation+for+this+study+because+it+explains+how+observational+learning+alongside+imitation+and+modeling+results+in+skill+acquisition+and+behavioral+development&ots=A4-_UpZdUi&sig=N37IvPS25v-hk5zEf_3hPnuozBs

[28]. 28.Golestan, F. (2022). A Comparative Study of Sa'adi Shirazi's View of Education and Albert Bandura's Social Learning Theory. https://dspace.cuni.cz/handle/20.500.11956/175863

[29]. 29.Robertson, N. L. (2024). Qualitative Descriptive Study: Soft Skills and Student Behavior--A Teacher's Perspective [PhD Thesis, Grand Canyon University]. https://search.proquest.com/openview/c0ef7f97efa769430c98e675b142b459/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y

[30]. 30.Liu, X., Zhang, X., Dang, Y., & Gao, W. (2023). Career education skills and career adaptability among college students in China: The mediating role of career decision-making self-efficacy. Behavioral Sciences, 13(9), 780.

[31]. 31.Saputra, R., Rosita, S., & Chairunnisa, F. (2023). The Effect of Competence on Student Readiness in the World of Work with Confidence as the Intervening Variable. Management Research and Behavior Journal, *3*(1), 16–23. https://doi.org/10.29103/mrbj.v3i1.10737

[32]. 32.Dumbuya, E. (2025). Empowering Tomorrow's Innovators: Skills, Trade, and Entrepreneurship for a Sustainable Future. In Online Submission. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED665156

[33]. 33.Memon, M. A., Ting, H., Cheah, J.-H., Thurasamy, R., Chuah, F., & Cham, T. H. (2020). Sample Size for Survey Research: Review and Recommendations. Journal of Applied Structural Equation Modeling, *4*(2), i–xx. https://doi.org/10.47263/JASEM.4(2)01

[34]. 34.Mahajan, R., Gupta, P., & Misra, R. (2022). Employability skills framework: a tripartite approach. Education+ Training, 64(3), 360-379.

[35]. 35.Yang, H., Cheung, C., & Li, W. (2022). Intercultural Communication Competency Practices in the Hotel Industry. Journal of China Tourism Research, *18*(1), 162–184. https://doi.org/10.1080/19388160.2020.1807432

[36]. 36.Hailu, A. T. (2024). The role of university–industry linkages in promoting technology transfer: Implementation of triple helix model relations. Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, *13*(1), 25. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13731-024-00370-y

[37]. 37.Jabarullah, N. H., & Iqbal Hussain, H. (2019). The effectiveness of problem-based learning in technical and vocational education in Malaysia. Education+ Training, 61(5), 552-567.

[38]. 38.Paryono, P., & Mashod, H. (2025). Responses of technical and vocational education and training institutions to the needs of industry's digital transformation in South-East Asia (Working Paper 138). ILO Working Paper. https://doi.org/10.54394/BJOX6123

[39]. 39.Jose, D., Nanjundan, P., Paul, S., & Mohanty, S. N. (Eds.). (2024). *AI-driven IoT systems for Industry 4.0* (First edition). CRC Press. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781003432319

[40]. 40.Karani, A. O., Waiganjo, M. M., & Mugambi, D. K. (2024). The Influence of Education 4.0 on Decision-making and Agripreneurship Start-up Behavior among Agriculture Students in Kenyan TVET Institutions. East African Journal of Education and Social Sciences (EAJESS), *5*(2), 1–13.

[41]. 41.Peng, R., & Qi, C. (2024). Innovation and entrepreneurship education in China: Responding to social change. Growth & Change, 55(1).

[42]. 42.Stolpe, K., & Hallström, J. (2024). Artificial intelligence literacy for technology education. Computers and Education Open, *6*, 100159. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeo.2024.100159

[43]. 43.Nkolika, C. J. (2024). Bridging the Gap Between Curriculum, Innovative Pedagogy, and Evolving Industry Demands for Future-Ready Graduates. JURNAL ILMIAH MAHASISWA, 2(2), 146-167.

[44]. 44.Smith, I. H., & Kouchaki, M. (2021). Ethical Learning: The Workplace as a Moral Laboratory for Character Development. Social Issues and Policy Review, *15*(1), 277–322. https://doi.org/10.1111/sipr.12073

[45]. 45.Liu, S., & Hardy, I. (2023). Understanding Chinese national vocational education reform: a critical policy analysis. Journal of Vocational Education & Training, 75(5), 1055-1077.

[46]. 46.Caeiro-Rodriguez, M., Manso-Vazquez, M., Mikic-Fonte, F. A., Llamas-Nistal, M., Fernandez-Iglesias, M. J., Tsalapatas, H., Heidmann, O., De Carvalho, C. V., Jesmin, T., Terasmaa, J., & Sorensen, L. T. (2021). Teaching Soft Skills in Engineering Education: An European Perspective. IEEE Access, *9*, 29222–29242. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2021.3059516

[47]. 47.Liu, Z. (2025). Navigating complexity: A soft skills perspective on China's Higher Vocational Education and Training (HVET) students' post-college transitions. International Journal of Lifelong Education, 1–28. https://doi.org/10.1080/02601370.2025.2527304

[48]. 48.Febriyana, N., Indrawati, H., & Makhdalena, M. (2023). The influence of emotional intelligence, industrial work practices, soft skills, and self-efficacy on students work readiness. Journal of Educational Sciences, 7(3), 499-517.

[49]. 49.Sakdapat, N. (2024). Approaches for sustainable professional skill development for vocational education students in Thailand. F1000Research, *13*, 401. https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.146802.1

[50]. 50.Wang, L., Ye, J.-H., Lee, Y.-S., & Miao, C.-J. (2022). Analysis of influencing factors of subjective career unsuccessfulness of vocational college graduates from the Department of Navigation in China. Frontiers in Psychology, *13*. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1015190

[51]. 51.Hu, Q., & Balwi, M. K. B. M. (2025). The Development of Ethical Codes for Social Work in China: Opportunities and Challenges. Ethics and Social Welfare, *19*(2), 182–199. https://doi.org/10.1080/17496535.2025.2487475

[52]. 52.Keshwani, A. (2025). International Business Strategy in Adult Education: A Focus on Vocational Training Programs for Emerging Markets [Fi=Ylempi AMK-opinnäytetyö|sv=Högre YH-examensarbete|en=Master's thesis]. http://www.theseus.fi/handle/10024/884077

[53]. 53.Volmer, J., Spurk, D., Orth, M., & Göritz, A. (2023). Reciprocal effects of career adaptability and occupational self-efficacy: a three-wave longitudinal study with varying time lags. Journal of Career Assessment, 31(4), 665-685.

[54]. 54.Ola, D. E. (2022). Pace of Technology Changes, Need for Adaptation, and Demand for Skills: Skills Adaptation for Quickly Evolving Technology-Based Workplaces. In J. D. Rolle & M. Crump (Eds.), Advances in Human Resources Management and Organizational Development (pp. 364–383). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-6684-4322-4.ch019

[55]. 55.Niyomves, B., Kunacheva, N., & Kenaphoom, S. (2024). The Role of Lifelong Learning in Navigating the Future of Work: In K. Jermsittiparsert, N. Phongkraphan, & N. Lekhavichit (Eds.), Advances in Business Strategy and Competitive Advantage (pp. 297–316). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3693-6720-9.ch011

[56]. 56.Guo, Y. (2024). Study on the Impact of the Service Economy in China's First-Tier Cities on the Employment Structure. Technology and Investment, *15*(1), 28–38. https://doi.org/10.4236/ti.2024.151003

[57]. 57.Woime, A. W., & Shato, G. A. (2025). The Role of Emotional Intelligence and Conflict Management in Job Satisfaction and Teamwork: A Systematic Review. Public Health Challenges, *4*(2), e70054. https://doi.org/10.1002/puh2.70054

[58]. 58.Yan, J., Huang, T., & Xiao, Y. (2023). Assessing the impact of entrepreneurial education activity on entrepreneurial intention and behavior: role of behavioral entrepreneurial mindset. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 30(10), 26292-26307.

[59]. 59.Williams, B. (2025). China's Economic Ascendance: A Journey through China's Economic Transformation. Barrett Williams.

[60]. 60.Junça-Silva, A., Duarte, H., & Santos, S. C. (2024). Personal initiative, risk-taking, creativity and opportunity discovery among students. Journal of Enterprising Communities: People and Places in the Global Economy, *18*(1), 49–71. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEC-10-2022-0150

[61]. 61.Güner Gültekin, D., Pinarbasi, F., Yazici, M., & Adiguzel, Z. (2025). Commercialisation of artificial intelligence: A research on entrepreneurial companies with challenges and opportunities. Business Process Management Journal, *31*(2), 605–630. https://doi.org/10.1108/BPMJ-10-2023-0836

[62]. 62.Rodrigues, A. L., Cerdeira, L., Machado-Taylor, M. de L., & Alves, H. (2021). Technological Skills in Higher Education---Different Needs and Different Uses. Education Sciences, *11*(7), 326. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci11070326

[63]. 63.Huang, F. (2025). Exploring a new model of undergraduate vocational education. Vocation, Technology & Education, *2*(1). https://doi.org/10.54844/vte.2025.0869

[64]. 64.Danmaigoro, A., Dorh, L. E., Sadiq, I., Ahmad, A., & Naduku, V. E. (2023). Exploring Potential of Information and Communication Technology in Vocational and Technical Education in College of Education. *7*(3).

[65]. 65.Asefer, A., & Abidin, Z. (2021b). SOFT SKILLS AND GRADUATES'EMPLOYABILITY IN THE 21ST CENTURY FROM EMPLOYERS' PERSPECTIVES: A REVIEW OF LITERATURE. *9*.

[66]. 66.Greeven, M. J., Xin, K., & Yip, G. S. (2023). How Chinese companies are reinventing management. Harvard Business Review, 101(2), 104-111.

[67]. 67.Wei Xiaolong, Ming Yufeng, Jun Jie, & Jia Hao. (2025). THE TRANSFORMATION OF CHINA'S EDUCATION SYSTEM: BETWEEN CONFUCIAN TRADITIONS AND GLOBAL MODERNIZATION. International Journal of Education and Social Science Studies, *1*(2), 42–60. https://doi.org/10.60153/ijesss.v1i2.192