Date of Award
8-2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Department
Executive Leadership
First Supervisor
Marie Cianca
Second Supervisor
Diane Reed
Abstract
This phenomenological qualitative research study examined employer perspectives on the employability skills of graduates from Early College High School (ECHS) programs. The study investigated the program components that enhance the preparation of employability skills and the systems that support graduate transition to the workforce. Using semi-structured interviews with employer partners and an iterative coding process, three key themes emerged across the data. The key themes highlight the importance of factors relating to workplace readiness, including internships and experiential learning, behavioral and soft skills, and structured transition systems, as critical components in preparing ECHS graduates for employment.
The findings indicate that ECHS graduates exhibit adaptability, curiosity, and a growth mindset, attributes that employers value for entry-level positions across various employment sectors. The employer participants emphasized the importance of career exploration, communication skills, and technical training as part of employability preparation. Structured transition systems, including internships, mentorship, and supported onboarding pathways, were identified as effective strategies for transitioning from school to work. Additionally, the study highlighted the significance of employer-to-school partnerships in preparing ECHS graduates for a successful transition to the workforce.
The insights gained from this study promote an understanding of how ECHS programs can enhance graduate employability preparation. In collaboration with employer partners across diverse employment settings, this study highlights the significance of integrating internships and soft-skills development into curricula. The findings provide recommendations for employers, educators, and policymakers seeking to align secondary work-based learning experiences with workforce needs, while supporting ECHS graduates in achieving long-term career success in an evolving labor economy.
Recommended Citation
McGuigan, Kathleen, "Examining Employers’ Perspectives Relating to Early College High School Programs and Employability Skills" (2025). Education Doctoral. Paper 631.
https://fisherpub.sjf.edu/education_etd/631
Please note that the Recommended Citation provides general citation information and may not be appropriate for your discipline. To receive help in creating a citation based on your discipline, please visit http://libguides.sjfc.edu/citations.