Strategies to Improve Vocational Graduate Employability: A Systematic Literature Review (2020-2025)

Lena Rusmiyati; Winda Dewi Listyasari; Mohammad Sofwan Effendi; Kamaludin Kamaludin

doi:10.51276/edu.v7i1.1595

Authors

Lena Rusmiyati Universitas Negeri Jakarta
Winda Dewi Listyasari Universitas Negeri Jakarta
Mohammad Sofwan Effendi Universitas Negeri Jakarta
Kamaludin Kamaludin Universitas Negeri Jakarta

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51276/edu.v7i1.1595

Keywords:

Industry 4.0 , Systematic Literature Review , Vocational Education , Employability , Work-Based Learning

Abstract

Digital transformation, workforce globalization, and Industry 4.0 require rapid adaptation in vocational education to prepare competitive graduates for the global labour market. This study identifies strategies to enhance vocational graduates' employability and maps thematic clusters and Research trends. We conducted a systematic literature review with a PRISMA bibliometric analysis. A search in Scopus and Google Scholar retrieved 400 records; after removing duplicates, screening, applying inclusion/exclusion criteria (peer-reviewed journals indexed in Scopus or SINTA 1–2, full text, relevance), and quality assessment, 44 articles (2020–2025) were analyzed. Bibliometric and thematic synthesis revealed five clusters: (1) digital transformation and Industry 4.0–oriented learning, (2) work-based learning and dual systems, (3) skills development and employability, (4) policy and governance, and (5) entrepreneurship and career development. Findings show that employability is strengthened by integrating technical and soft skills, fostering industry partnerships, improving digital literacy, enhancing teacher competence, and adopting adaptive governance. The study proposes an integrated framework linking digital transformation, learning, and governance, and offers evidence-based guidance for policymakers, institutions, and stakeholders to design responsive vocational strategies aligned with Industry 4.0.

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Author Biographies

Lena Rusmiyati, Universitas Negeri Jakarta

She was born in Serang on May 5, 1981. She completed her bachelor’s degree in Chemistry Education at Universitas Pakuan (UNPAK), Bogor, in 2005, and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Educational Management at Universitas Negeri Jakarta (UNJ).

Winda Dewi Listyasari, Universitas Negeri Jakarta

She is a lecturer in the Department of Educational Management, Faculty of Education, Universitas Negeri Jakarta. Since 2025, she has also served as the Coordinator of the Master of Educational Management Study Program. She completed both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Educational Management at Universitas Negeri Jakarta and earned her Ph.D. from the University of Nottingham Malaysia.

Mohammad Sofwan Effendi, Universitas Negeri Jakarta

He is an Associate Professor (Lektor Kepala) in the Master’s Program of Educational Management, Faculty of Education, Universitas Negeri Jakarta. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from Universitas Terbuka, an M.Ed. from Brock University, Canada, and a Ph.D. in Educational Administration from Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (2015). His interests include educational administration and education management.

Kamaludin Kamaludin, Universitas Negeri Jakarta

He is a lecturer in the Master’s Program of Educational Management, Faculty of Education, Universitas Negeri Jakarta. He serves as an assessor for national accreditation, teacher professional education, and lecturer workload, and works as an educational consultant. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Islamic Religious Education, a master’s degree in Economic Education, and a doctorate in Educational Management.

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