Analysis of the NCS Basic Occupational Competencies Required for University Graduates' Employment

The primary objective of this study is to identify the discrepancies between the required and current levels of NCS(National Competency Standards) among graduates from four-year universities. Subsequently, this study aims to elucidate the implications of developing and implementing NCS-based curricula in universities to enhance the fundamental vocational abilities of college students. To achieve this, a survey was conducted among 195 individuals who graduated from four-year universities and are currently employed to determine the required and current levels of vocational fundamental proficiencies as defined by the National Competency Standards(NCS). The paired sample t-test, Borich analysis, and Hershkowitz Critical function were then employed to analyze the discrepancies between the two levels. The findings of this study indicate that firstly, among the 34 areas of NCS (National Competency Standards), graduates demonstrated statistically significant discrepancies between the necessary state and the current state in document writing ability, expression ability, basic foreign language ability, basic arithmetic ability, thinking ability, problem-solving ability, self-management ability, career development ability, time resource management ability, budget resource management ability, leadership ability, conflict management ability, negotiation ability, information processing ability, technical understanding ability, technical application ability, and job comprehension ability. Secondly, it was determined that basic foreign language ability and expression ability within the sub-abilities of communication, career development ability, and self-management ability within the sub-abilities of self-development, and conflict management ability and negotiation ability within the sub-abilities of interpersonal communication should be given the highest priority in the consideration process. Based on the findings, it is recommended that a comprehensive consideration of the educational needs perceived by graduates be taken into account when developing and applying NCS-based education programs. It is expected that this will serve as important foundational data for effectively developing the NCS basic vocational skills of future university students.