Developing graduate employability for a challenging labour market: the validation of the graduate capital scale

Purpose This article provides empirical validation of the Graduate Capital Model, adopted at a UK Russell Group University as tool to analyse and support career preparedness both undergraduates postgraduate students. An overview employability capitals how development these will potentially result in positive employment outcomes is explored. We describe psychometric “the Scale” that seeks operationalize capitals. then draw on data establish factor structure, reliability validity tool. Design/methodology/approach paper introduces new instrument, called “Graduate Scale”; this self-reflective aligns closely with five within Model (Tomlinson, 2017) has been designed for higher education students self-assess their confidence transitioning graduate labour market. Findings Based sample 1,501 across collection waves, findings from scale show good constructs central overarching Model. Within each component model, high factors loading emerged range items, including subject-related skills, social networking, perceived job market fit engagement extra-curricula activities. Few gender differences constructs. Research limitations/implications The research was confined specific English university comprised mainly academically high-achieving socio-economic However, there significant scope model related be applied diverse student groups given its wholistic nature. Practical implications considerable potential incorporated into careers practices also embedded course programmes it learning outcomes. There approach complement pedagogical practical interventions, including: tools tutorials; measures gain interventions such coaching mentoring; personal reflective guidance. Social developed through used groups, those lower levels confidence, insight backgrounds. Originality/value introduced demonstrated applicability students, graduates practitioners. Moreover, supports pre-existing conceptually driven clear alignment between theory practice area employability.