Connecting QA and employability in Africa
To address the pressing issue of graduate employability in higher education institutions (HEIs), COL has formulated comprehensive guidelines and models focusing on quality assurance (QA) and employability. These tools are designed to aid educational institutions across the Commonwealth in ensuring their programmes meet the highest standards of quality and relevance.
COL’s unique employability model is structured around a cyclical framework involving assessment, planning, implementation and reflection. This approach allows HEIs to continually assess and adapt their strategies to improve students’ employability throughout their academic journeys. The model is predicated on employability being a long-term endeavour that requires constant attention and fine-tuning.
For implementation, COL employs its QA rubrics to evaluate the employability potential of programmes and courses. The employability model has already been successfully piloted in seven African nations: Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia and Zambia. The initial outcomes are promising, and further expansion to other HEIs is being considered.
Moreover, QA agencies from these seven countries have begun collecting baseline data, supported by a COL toolkit outlining key employability indicators. This collaborative approach ensures the guidelines and metrics are consistent, targeted and effective.
As the labour market continues to evolve, with some jobs disappearing and new ones emerging, it is imperative for HEIs to continually modernise their learning strategies. This will close skills gaps and equip graduates to meet the ever-changing requirements for a future-ready workforce.
