The relationship between higher education and the world of work is hotly debated. Are universities to train students for a job or educate them for life? The Centre for Employability at the University of Central Lancashire suggests that employability means 'a set of skills, knowledge and personal attributes that make an individual more likely to secure and be successful in their chosen occupation(s) to the benefit of themselves, the workforce, the community and the economy'.
However, central to employability is the ability of the learner to articulate and evidence his/her knowledge, skills and experiences gained from higher education. In this sense, employability is supported by progress files, and personal development planning in so far as it provides an opportunity of self-reflection on personal skills, development and learning. Awareness of one's own skills is important for effective self-presentation in an interview and to foster personal confidence, self-awareness of individual strengths, preferences and weaknesses and to develop ones career paths successfully and satisfactorily. In terms of teaching and learning, employability has become a government concern for at least two reasons. Firstly, it is important to its widening participation strategy because if it succeeds there will be more graduates looking for jobs. Secondly, the government believes that a good supply of highly-skilled employable graduates is essential for national economic and social well-being.
