Factors affecting the level of employment core ability skills of trainees with physical disabilities

Abstract

The Malaysian government has focused attention towards increasing the marketability of trainees in special vocational training institutions by enhancing the quality of their soft and hard skills. However, trainees with physical disabilities have some limitations towards achieving the targeted goal. Therefore, this research was conducted to explore the internal and external factors that affect the level of Employment Core Abilities Skills (ECAS) of trainees with physical disabilities in special vocational institutions in Malaysia. A multi-source qualitative research design that involved content analysis and triangulation was used to explore emerging themes. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 21 trainees, and 21 trainers and management officers as participants in this study. Data from various sources were transcribed and analyzed using content analysis method. Findings indicate the factors that influence the level of Employment Core Abilities Skills (ECAS) of trainees with physical disabilities (TPD)’s were TPDs background, institutional environment and condition, institutional rules and regulations, and trainee’s peers and trainers contribution. These findings can be highlighted to relevant stakeholders especially to the Ministry of Education and Department of Social Welfare in order to enhance the trainees with disabilities level of ECAS.