ICT Applications for Employability Enhancement: An Asian Case Study

Abstract

This research paper investigates the uses of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in empowering low-educated or low-skilled adults, sociologically defined as ‘marginalised adults’ (Roger & Fricke, 2005). As computers and the Internet are becoming essential for getting jobs, seeking professional information, and engaging in entrepreneurship activities (UN-APCICT/ESCAP, 2011), adults who do not possess adequate ICT skills in developed economies will increasingly be side-lined into an undesirable situation of structural unemployment. In applying the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as a theoretical framework, this paper focused on personal factors related to perceived ease of use, intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors towards technology adoption and training. A pilot study was conducted in March 2010, with a group of 50 unemployed citizens. The ICT skills training programme intended to impart entry-level computer skills to these out-of-work citizens, in the hope of enhancing their employability and job placement success. The research design consisted of quantitative surveys with all 50 participants, qualitative interviews as well as field observations of the candidates during their job interviews. The study centered on the fundamental research question – will ICT training enable these unemployed job seekers to find jobs using their newly-acquired skills? The findings suggest that while ICT training may not directly influence these adults’ success at job interviews, it did however increase the individuals’ self-efficacy when they went for job interviews, securing positive placement outcomes. As a researcher as well as an ICT4D practitioner, the author hopes to provide a map of available evidence, identify research gaps and challenges and suggest future programmes for policy support for ICT skills training for employment and employability in Asia.