Employability of Bio System Technology Non-University-Bound A/L Completers in Sri Lanka

Abstract

This exploratory study examined the employability status of non-university-bound A/L completers who sat for the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) examination from 2015 to 2018 in the Bio System Technology stream and were not selected for university education in Sri Lanka. Since the technology stream was introduced in 2013 to align secondary education with labour market requirements, it is timely to evaluate whether this objective has been achieved. The study was conducted across three educational zones: Piliyandala, Mathugama, and Ratnapura. Data were gathered from 61 past students via structured questionnaires distributed through Google Forms, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 Bio System Technology teachers from the Colombo, Kalutara, and Ratnapura districts. Binomial logistic regression was employed to examine the influence of gender, living district, English proficiency, and third subject selection on employability. Findings indicate that male students showed higher employability rates (89.3%) compared to females (81.8%). Students who selected Information Technology as their third subject recorded zero unemployment. Vocational training opportunities were highest among those who selected Agriculture as the third subject. English language proficiency (O/L grade) did not emerge as a statistically significant predictor of employability in this sample. The results reveal a mismatch between the current curriculum and evolving labour market demands. The study recommends strengthening career guidance, introducing occupational components from junior secondary level, and improving industry-school linkages to enhance the employability of Bio System Technology stream completers