21st Century Skills: Student Readiness, Opportunities, and Development

Abstract

The current study examines the broad spectrum of abilities comprising skills needed for success in the workplace by future employees. Considering the skills gap that is identified among literature on future employees abilities and readiness, study utilizes a collection of skills, termed 21st century skills, by Casner-Lotto and Barrington (2006) to specifically focus on student's perception of personal readiness, attainment of skills, and importance of skills in their future workplace. The sample yielded 131 participants employed or volunteers, crew members, of the Pirate Academic Success Center (PASC). Survey collection was compiled via Qualtrics then exported into SPSS for analysis. Overall results suggest a gap remains among student, crew members, rating of skills needed in the workplace and their own readiness of skills. Results also support experiences as a crew member within the PASC as a valuable and strong support of the development of specific 21st century skills. Strong correlations were not found in support of level or class rank in determining 21st century skill readiness; implications are discussed. Evaluation of PASC as a positive factor in development of essential skills and suggestions for future research are suggested.