La plupart des acteurs économiques, politiques et sociaux s’accordent à considérer l’enjeu du développement de la formation et du renforcement des compétences clés de chacun, comme un facteur déterminant pour l’avenir de notre société, fondée sur la connaissance. Partant de ce constat, l’apport des compétences clés en termes d’employabilité durable et de sécurisation des parcours professionnels des salariés a été l’objet de notre recherche. Cela nous a conduits à la formulation et aux tests de trois hypothèses qui ont permis d’identifier les définitions des compétences qu’en donnent les principaux acteurs de notre champ de recherche, de proposer un cadre de référence en matière de compétences clés, de considérer l’organisation globale dans laquelle se réalisent ces apprentissages et de mesurer leur valeur ajoutée pour l’employabilité durable. Notre réflexion repose à la fois sur ce que la littérature a produit au sujet des compétences et sur les constats issus des investigations exploratoires menées auprès d’un corpus de salariés. D'un point de vue théorique, nous avons pu constater que les compétences clés sont devenues naturellement un facteur essentiel, notamment en raison de leur caractère transversal. L’analyse statistique des résultats, apportent des éléments de réponse quant à l’influence du management des compétences clés sur l’employabilité des individus et la sécurisation de leur parcours professionnel dans la durée. / Most of the economic, political and social actors agree on saying that the development of training and the skill acquisitions are key factors in shaping the future of our society, based on knowledge. The topic of our research based on the finding that the provision of the key skills in terms of employability is a guarantee for employees to secure their career management. This led us to three hypotheses that allowed us to identify the definitions of competencies given by the main actors in our field of research, to propose a competency framework, to consider the overall organization in which these learning takes place and to measure their added value for sustainable employability.Our reflection is based both on what the publication have produced about the competences and on the findings from the researches made with a among corpus of employees. From a theoretical point of view, we note that key competences have naturally become a determining factor, mainly because of their transversal nature. The statistical analysis of the results, show that the influence of the way you handle key competences on the employability of individuals and the securing of their professional career over time.

<p>The general aim of the present thesis is to increase our understanding of perceived employability. Employability perceptions refer to individuals’ beliefs about their possibilities of finding new, equal, or better employment. How people perceive their possibilities of getting employment is important in a labour market characterised by flexibility and uncertainty, and the present thesis sets out to investigate the nature, determinants, and implications of employability perceptions, using two population-based samples. In Study I, the aim was to study if employability and self-efficacy are two distinct but related constructs and, along with this, to investigate the nature of their association. The results from this study indicated that employability was distinct from self-efficacy and, furthermore, that employability predicted subsequent self-efficacy. In Study II, the aim was to identify predictors of perceived employability. The combination of situational and individual factors was identified as important for employability perceptions. National economic prosperity, living/working in metropolitan areas, poor physical and good psychological work environments, formal education, and competency development were found to be positively associated with perceived employability. The aim of Study III was to investigate if employability could predict subsequent health and well-being. The results from this study implied that individuals who reported higher levels of employability also reported better global health and mental well-being, but not physical complaints, one year later, after controlling for work environment variables and previous health status. In conclusion, the present thesis has implications for theory as well as practice when it concludes that employability is not primarily a self-evaluation, that it is dependent on individual as well as situational factors, and that it has implications for health and well-being.</p>

The general aim of the present thesis is to increase our understanding of perceived employability. Employability perceptions refer to individuals’ beliefs about their possibilities of finding new, equal, or better employment. How people perceive their possibilities of getting employment is important in a labour market characterised by flexibility and uncertainty, and the present thesis sets out to investigate the nature, determinants, and implications of employability perceptions, using two population-based samples. In Study I, the aim was to study if employability and self-efficacy are two distinct but related constructs and, along with this, to investigate the nature of their association. The results from this study indicated that employability was distinct from self-efficacy and, furthermore, that employability predicted subsequent self-efficacy. In Study II, the aim was to identify predictors of perceived employability. The combination of situational and individual factors was identified as important for employability perceptions. National economic prosperity, living/working in metropolitan areas, poor physical and good psychological work environments, formal education, and competency development were found to be positively associated with perceived employability. The aim of Study III was to investigate if employability could predict subsequent health and well-being. The results from this study implied that individuals who reported higher levels of employability also reported better global health and mental well-being, but not physical complaints, one year later, after controlling for work environment variables and previous health status. In conclusion, the present thesis has implications for theory as well as practice when it concludes that employability is not primarily a self-evaluation, that it is dependent on individual as well as situational factors, and that it has implications for health and well-being.

The research focuses on investigating the relationship between individuals’ career adaptability, employability attributes and retention factors within the context of talent retention in the 21st century workplace. A quantitative research approach was followed, and a probability sample of (N = 337) of single (42.7%), African (53.4%), female (65.9%), individuals between the ages of 26-40 years (57.4%), who are part time employees (50.7%), mostly at staff level (54.0%) were utilised. Correlational analysis indicated differences between the variables of CAI, EAS and RFMS. Inferential statistics showed a strong relationship between the variables of career adaptability, employability attributes and retention factors. Stepwise hierarchical regression analysis showed that age, gender, race, marital status and job level, their career adaptability and employability attributes significantly and positively predict retention factors. Test for mean differences revealed that males and females differed significantly in terms of their career adaptability, employability attributes and retention factors. Recommendations are suggested for use by human resource professionals in terms of retention practices. / Business Management / M. Com. (Business management)

This research focuses on the relationship between employability attributes, organisational commitment and retention factors within the context of staff retention in the 21st century workplace. A cross-sectional quantitative research approach was followed, and a probability stratified sample (N = 311) of mainly black and female participants participated in the study. A canonical correlation analysis indicated a significant overall relationship between the employability attributes/organisational commitment canonical variate and the retention factor canonical variate. Inferential statistics revealed significant differences between ethnicity, gender, age, job category and qualification level regarding these variables. The study also confirmed a positive relationship between employability attributes, organisational commitment and retention factors. Recommendations are made for use by human resource professionals in terms of the retention of valuable staff. / Human Resource Management / M. Com. (Human Resources Management)

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Masters in Management Sciences: Tourism and Hospitality Management, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2017. / With the accelerating growth in the tourism industry and its anchorage in the service-industry, the utilisation of people is a valuable resource for a tourism organisation. There are increased pressures on educational institutions from the government and the tourism industry to produce employable graduates. Thus, it remains imperative that tourism organisations have access to a pool of human resources that possess the required knowledge, skills and attitudes. As a result, educational institutions build workplace learning (WPL) into tourism curricula to ensure the transferability of skills and a smoother transition for all stakeholders into the tourism industry. This study set out to determine the impact WPL has on a tourism student’s employability in the tourism industry. The literature highlights a number of key issues hindering the success of WPL for tourism graduate employability. These include, a lack of alignment of curriculum, supervision challenges and partnerships with the tourism industry. Using a mixed methodological approach comprising both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, comparisons among stakeholders’ perceptions and attitudes were conducted. The stakeholders are: tourism graduates from 2011-2014, academic supervisors and workplace supervisors in the tourism industry. Stakeholders’ perceptions of WPL structured the depth and sharpened understanding of the success as well as issues hindering the successful implementation of WPL and consequent unemployment. Among the main challenges were the placement of students and the inadequate feedback between stakeholders. The empirical findings underpinned effective communication as imperative in developing and maintaining quality partnerships for WPL. Among the many knock on benefits is the successful transfer of skills to tourism students. It is hoped that this research will contribute to the dearth of literature on tourism WPL and tackle salient gaps in tourism employability. / M

Published Article / The problem statement to be proposed in this article is that student employability suffers as a result of the fact that students do not make use of the available employment skills training, offered by the CUT, which will enable them to present themselves in a professional manner to prospective employers when entering the labour market. Certain suggestions will be offered in this publication of how the CUT could go about creating opportunities for students to enable them to successfully enter the labour market, after the completion of their studies.

ABSTRACT It is unfortunate that many graduates have difficulty in finding employment after completing their studies. Although graduates typically have academic and technical skills, they often lack some basic skills, also referred to as employability, or work readiness skills. Work Readiness Programmes, such as the Fasset Work Readiness Programme, have been introduced to bridge the gap between studies and work and aim at equipping graduates with the skills required in order to secure employment. The question was raised whether the skills that are advanced by means of the Fasset Work Readiness Programme, are in accordance with the skills that employers require from graduates for entry level positions. The objective of the research is to conceptualise the skills and competencies required from graduates for entry level positions and to determine if the skills and competencies that are advanced by means of the Fasset Work Readiness Programme and deemed important by graduates, are in accordance with the skills and competencies sought by employers in the Fasset sector. The specific aims of the study are as follows: (a) to conceptualize work readiness and the skills and competencies required from graduates for entry level positions; (b) to determine if the skills and competencies that are required from graduates for entry level positions in the Fasset sector are in accordance with the skills advanced by means of the Fasset Work Readiness Programme and (c) to determine which skills graduates regard as important for the world of work. Two quantitative research questionnaires (one for graduates and one for organisations) were developed for the purpose of the research. Both questionnaires consisted of two sections - a section containing biographical information that was used to compare differences between the groups and a section referring to the research aims. Descriptive statistics was one of the methods employed to analyze the data. The questionnaires proved to be reliable (Cronbach alpha coefficients and inter-item correlations were calculated). A preliminary investigation into the validity of the questionnaire was done. The research was successful in achieving the research aims. The skills and competencies required from graduates for entry level positions were conceptualized by means of an extensive literature review (including South African as well as international research). The research indicated that although Fasset registered employers regard some of the skills/competencies that are advanced by means of the Fasset Work Readiness Programme (i.e. oral communication, interpersonal skills and teamwork) as important, they value other work readiness skills that are not directly addressed by the Fasset Work Readiness Programme (i.e. mature attitude, innovation, positive work ethic) just as much. Graduates regard the skills/competencies that are included in the Fasset Work Readiness Programme (such as oral communication, written communication, interpersonal skills and teamwork and occupation skills) as more important than other work readiness skills that are not addressed by the programme (i.e. self-discipline, confidence, self-reliance, leadership, mature attitude and motivation). Graduates in general agreed that self-discipline, career development, the effective use of physical resources, independent time management, understanding an organisation's functioning in relation to its competitors and effective team work are important skills/competencies in the world of work. Recommendations are made for work readiness programmes in general, and for the Fasset Work Readiness Programme, as well as for future research. OPSOMMING Dit is ongelukkig die geval dat talle graduandi (mense wie grade of diplomas voltooi het) sukkel om werk te kry nadat hulle hulle studies voltooi het. Alhoewel graduandi gewoonlik die akademiese en tegniese vaardighede het wat verwag word, het hulle dikwels nie die basiese werkgereedheidsvaardighede nie. Werkgereedheidsprogramme, soos die Fasset Werkgereedheidsprogram, is ingestel om die gaping tussen studies en werk te oorbrug. Die doel van die program is om leerders bloot te stel aan die vaardighede wat vereis word om sodoende werk te kry. Die vraag het ontstaan of die vaardighede wat deur die Fasset Werkgereedheidsprogram aangespreek word ooreenstem met die vaardighede wat werkgewers in die Fasset sektor van graduandi verwag vir intreevlak posisies. Die doel van die navorsing is om die vaardighede wat van graduandi verwag word vir intreevlak posisies te konseptualiseer en om te bepaal of die vaardighede wat deur die Fasset Werkgereedsheidsprogram aangespreek word en deur graduandi as belangrik geag word, ooreenstem met die vaardighede wat werkgewers in die Fasset sektor van graduandi verwag vir intreevlak poste. Die spesifieke doelstellings van die navorsing is om (a) die werkgereedsheid en die vaardighede wat van graduandi verwag word vir intreevlak posisies te konseptualiseer; (b) om te bepaal of die vaardighede wat van graduandi verwag word vir intreevlak posisies in die Fasset sektor ooreenstem met die vaardighede wat deur die Fasset Werkgereedheidsprogram aangespreek word en (c) om te bepaal watter vaardighede graduandi as belangrik ag in die werkswêreld. Twee kwantitatiewe navorsingsvraelyste (een vir graduandi en een vir organsiasies) was ontwikkel vir navorsingsdoeleindes. Beide vraelyste het uit twee afdelings bestaan - `n afdeling vir biografiese besonderhede wat gebruik is om verskille tussen sub-groepe te bepaal, en `n afdeling wat verwys het na die navorsingsdoelwitte. Beskrywende statistiek is een van die metodes wat gebruik was om die die data te analiseer. Volgens die Cronbach alpha koëffisiënte en inter-item korrelasies wat bereken was, is die vraelyste betroubaar. `n Voorlopige ondersoek m.b.t die geldigheid van die vraelys is ook gedoen. Die navorsingsdoelwitte was suksesvol deur die navorsing aangespreek. Die vaardighede wat van graduandi verwag word vir intreevlak posisies is gekonseptualiseer d.m.v. `n intensiewe literatuurstudie, wat Suid-Afrikaanse sowel as internasionale navorsing insluit. Die navorsingresultate het aangedui dat alhoewel werkgewers in die Fasset sektor sommige van die vaardighede wat deur die Fasset Werkgereedheidsprogram aangespreek word (bv. verbale kommunikasie, interpersoonlike vaardighede en spanwerk) as belangrik ag, daar ander werkgereedheidsvaardighede is wat nie deur die program aangespreek word nie (bv. volwasse houding, innovering, en positiewe werksetiek) wat ook as belangrik geag word. Graduandi het die vaardighede wat deur die Fasset Werkgereedheidsprogram aangespreek word as meer belangrik geag as ander werkgereedheidsvaardighede wat nie direk deur die program aangespreek word nie. Verder het graduandi in die algemeen aangedui dat self-dissipline, loopbaanbestuur, effektiewe gebruik van fisiese hulpbronne, spanwerk en `n begrip van die organisasie se werking met betrekking tot kompeteerders, belangrikke werkgereedsheidsvaardighede is. Aanbevelings vir werkgereedheidsprogramme in die algemeen, vir die Fasset Werkgereedheidsprogram en vir verdere navorsing is gemaak. / Industrial and Organisational Psychology / M.A. (Industrial Psychology)

The labour market today is characterized by flexibility and a demand on the individual of maintaining employability by remaining educated, experienced and by having a positive approach concerning being available after work hours. The aim of the study is to understand the relation between the current conditions of the labour market and its effects on employee mental health.  Throughout the study, several aspects have been investigated: Boundless work, availability after work hours, previous education, the distinction between work life and private life, and the effect of these aspects on mental health. The empirical material has been analyzed with the following theoretical framework: the Theory of Power, the Effort-Reward Imbalance Model and the Control-Demand model, including the later updated version with the third variable; work-related social support. The empirical material is gathered by eight semi- structured interviews.  The results of the study showed distinctions between how the demands of the labour market are perceived and how it affects mental health. Hence, the negative effects on mental health depend on the demands of availability after working hours, which in turn vary depending on previous education, a lack of support from manager and colleagues, and an experienced demand of employability.

Ungdomsarbetslösheten i Sverige är i förhållande till den totala arbetslösheten, i landet, hög och är en av svenska regeringens högst prioriterade frågor inom arbetsmarknadspolitiken. För att komma in på arbetsmarknaden idag måste du visa dig anställningsbar. Syftet med denna studie är att undersöka vad kommunala arbetsgivare har för uppfattning om arbetslösa ungdomars anställningsbarhet. Syftet konkretiseras med hjälp av tre frågeställningar som syftar till att se vad betydelsen av deltagandet i aktiva arbetsmarknadsåtgärder har för anställningsbarheten, samt vad gymnasieexamen och de personliga egenskaperna betyder för anställningsbarheten. Studien utgår från en kvalitativ forskningsansats och besvarar syftet utifrån åtta kommunala arbetsgivares uppfattningar om arbetslösa ungdomars anställningsbarhet. Resultatet visar att anställningsbarhet enligt de kommunala arbetsgivarna är betydelsen av erfarenheter, kompetenser och utbildning. Studien visar även att praktik i en kommunal arbetsmarknadsåtgärd, vars syfte är att ge arbetslivserfarenhet, inte nödvändigtvis kan likställas med arbetslivserfarenhet. Deltagandet i en kommunal arbetsmarknadsåtgärd kan minska anställningsbarheten, likaså kan avsaknaden av en gymnasieexamen försvåra chansen till en anställning och en individs personliga egenskaper anses avgörande. Därför uppfylls heller inte den grundläggande anställningsbarheten. / Youth unemployment in relation to overall unemployment is high and is one of the Swedish government´s priorities in labour market policy. The purpose of this study is to investigate what idea the municipal employers have of unemployed youths ́ employability. The purpose is embodied by three questions, designed to see what importance of participation in active labour market programs, upper secondary school diploma and personality have on employability. The study is based on a qualitative research approach and answers the purpose with eight municipal employers' perceptions of unemployed young people's employability. The result indicates that employability, according to the municipal employers, is the importance of experience, skills and education. The results also indicate that the internship in a municipal labour market program, which aims to provide work experience, cannot be equated with each other. Participation in a municipal labor market program could reduce employability, as well as the lack of an upper secondary school diploma reduces the chance of an employment. The personality of an individual that is considered crucial for employment does not meet the requirements of the essential employability.