BRIDGING HIGHER EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEMANDS: EVALUATING THE PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR MASTER’S GRADUATES IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Authors: Ika Budi Maryatun, Joko Pamungkas, Amir Syamsudin & Nur Hayati

ABSTRACT

This study aims to evaluate labor market needs for graduates of the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Master’s Program at UNY. A mixed-method design was applied, integrating a descriptive quantitative survey with qualitative expert Focus Group Discussions. Participants included employers of ECE master’s graduates and members of the Indonesian Early Childhood Education Association (APG). Data were obtained through interviews, questionnaires, and documentation, and analyzed using quantitative and qualitative techniques. The results show that the ECE Master’s Program has formally established Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Competency Standards (CPL), focusing on strengthening graduates’ mastery of theoretical foundations to support scientific and technological development through research and innovation in early childhood education. Quantitative findings reveal that 80% of graduates are employed within six months, with an average salary of IDR 2,172,647. Alumni expressed high satisfaction with academic services and learning facilities, rated very good by 56% and 49% of respondents, respectively. Teaching and learning activities were also considered highly effective (53%), dominated by lectures and project-based learning. However, employers highlighted the need to improve foreign language skills, particularly English, which received the lowest evaluation score. These findings offer important insights for enhancing the relevance and quality of graduate competencies to better meet workforce expectations.

Keywords: ECE master’s graduates, workforce needs, curriculum evaluation

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