Employer Satisfaction with Vocational Education Graduates from Technical Colleges in Abuja

This study assessed employer satisfaction with the competencies and work readiness of vocational education graduates from technical colleges in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, North Central Nigeria. Employer satisfaction surveys are a critical quality assurance tool in vocational education, as they provide direct feedback on the extent to which training outcomes align with labor market expectations. A descriptive survey design was used, recruiting 120 employers from Abuja's construction, hospitality, ICT services, and food processing sectors. The Employer Satisfaction with Vocational Graduates Scale (ESVGS) was validated and administered. Results indicated moderate employer satisfaction, with mean ratings of 3.8 out of 7, suggesting that graduates met basic requirements but fell short in professionalism, advanced technical skills, and adaptability to new technologies. Employers in the ICT and construction sectors expressed the greatest dissatisfaction, citing poor digital literacy and weak safety compliance. Employers in hospitality reported relatively higher satisfaction, particularly with food service and housekeeping graduates. The study recommends that Abuja technical colleges conduct annual employer satisfaction surveys, establish employer advisory boards for each trade department, and use satisfaction data to drive targeted curriculum adjustments. Work readiness modules addressing professional conduct, communication, and technology use should be integrated into all programmes. Keywords: employer satisfaction, vocational graduates, technical colleges, Abuja, work readiness.