Employability-Oriented English Communication Training in Higher Education

Abstract

In an increasingly globalized, digital, and service-driven economy, graduate employability has emerged as a central mandate of higher education institutions. Among the diverse competencies influencing employability, English communication skills play a pivotal role in shaping graduates’ job readiness, workplace performance, and career progression. This paper examines the relevance of employability-oriented English communication training in higher education and identifies the key communication competencies demanded by employers. Drawing on an extensive review and thematic synthesis of literature published between 2015 and 2025, the study analyzes effective pedagogical strategies that align language instruction with workplace requirements. The paper further proposes an integrative framework for embedding employability-oriented English communication modules within higher education curricula. The findings underscore that task-based, experiential, and digitally mediated pedagogies significantly enhance graduates’ communicative competence and professional confidence. The study contributes a conceptual foundation for curriculum redesign, institutional strategy, and policy initiatives aimed at strengthening graduate employability through employability-focused English communication education.