Conceptualising Graduate Work Readiness: Theories, Concepts and Implications for Practice and Research

This chapter discusses the conceptualization of graduate work-readiness (GWR) and outlines the theoretical underpinnings associated with developing these conceptualisations. The chapter develops the Work-Related Integrated Competence Model (WRICM) as a comprehensive representation of the competency sets required by graduates to meet the expectations of the multiple stakeholders associated with the graduate transition process. The chapter evaluates the measurement of GWR using the WRICM models and compares it to other models used to measure GWR. The implications and possibilities of the WRICM model are then outlined. The proposed model provides a comprehensive foundation for evaluating GWR and for informing practice and policy around developing GWR attributes.