Building the Future Workforce: A Systematic Review of Informal and Nonformal Learning to Enhance Work Readiness and Character Competencies

DOI

10.2991/978-2-38476-489-1_18How to use a DOI?

Keywords

Informal Learning; Nonformal Learning; Work Readiness

Abstract

This paper proposes a conceptual model entitled Future Workforce Readiness: Building Skills and Character Beyond the Classroom, which aims to explain how alternative learning experiences outside the formal classroom contribute significantly to the development of graduates’ employability and personal values. Constructed through a systematic review of relevant literature, the model applies an input–process–output–outcome (IPOO) logic to map how various contextual and individual factors influence student readiness and graduate outcomes. In the input stage, elements such as students’ background, socio-economic conditions, and accessibility to lifelong, informal, and nonformal learning are seen as foundational determinants of learning readiness. The process phase emphasizes learning through three domains: competency-based training, experiential and self-directed learning, and character-focused social learning. Grounded in constructivist and transformative theories, these processes are designed to foster active engagement, critical reflection, and personal growth. Empirical findings demonstrate that self-directed learning significantly supports graduate work readiness, accounting for nearly 55% of the improvement following internships. The model produces two main outputs: work readiness competencies, including technical and soft skills, and character attributes such as resilience, discipline, and integrity. These are assessed through a mix of performance tasks, reflective tools, and self-appraisals. The final outcome aims to shape adaptable and ethically minded graduates who are capable of contributing constructively to the workforce and society. This model encourages universities to redesign their curricula and campus environments by integrating nonformal and informal learning into holistic student development strategies.

Copyright

© 2025 The Author(s)

Open Access

Open Access This chapter is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits any noncommercial use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made.

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TY  - CONF
AU  - Yanti Shantini
AU  - Dadang Yunus Lutfiansyach
AU  - Sodikin Sodikin
AU  - Deti Nudiati
AU  - Witri Dian Rafani
AU  - Nurul Ilmi Apriliani
PY  - 2025
DA  - 2025/11/24
TI  - Building the Future Workforce: A Systematic Review of Informal and Nonformal Learning to Enhance Work Readiness and Character Competencies
BT  - Proceedings of the International Conference on Educational Science and Teacher Education (ICESTE 2025)
PB  - Atlantis Press
SP  - 222
EP  - 242
SN  - 2352-5398
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2991/978-2-38476-489-1_18
DO  - 10.2991/978-2-38476-489-1_18
ID  - Shantini2025
ER  -