Perceptions of employers and graduates on employability skills in online education: a rapid review

A rapid literature review of academic databases investigated employer and graduate perceptions of employability skills developed through online higher education. The study aimed to identify frequently assessed employability competencies and common research methods in this area, highlighting the increasing importance of understanding skill development in the context of expanding online education and reported deficiencies in current labor market skill sets.

Why it matters

This analysis is crucial for understanding how educational delivery models impact the development of critical workforce capabilities. It informs strategic decisions regarding curriculum design, pedagogical approaches, and stakeholder engagement to ensure that educational outcomes align with evolving market needs.

Key insights

• Employability is a core objective for higher education institutions, reflecting their role in professional preparation.
• There are reported deficiencies in skills developed to meet current labor market demands.
• The expansion of online higher education necessitates understanding how stakeholders perceive employability competency development.
• The rapid review mapped frequently assessed employability competencies within online education.
• The review also described research methods commonly used in this domain.

Source

Frontiers in Education — https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1882380