Salient employability skills for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Singapore: the perspectives of job developers

Abstract

<b>Objective</b>: In order to increase employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs), professionals are tasked with designing and implementing job training services to youth preparing to enter the job market. Having a better understanding of desirable employability skills aids in allowing professionals to develop programs that will target the needs of those who make decisions relating to human resources. <b>Methods</b>: This study features a qualitative research design to identify employability skills that individuals with IDDs in Singapore should possess to be successful in the workplace. Job developers were interviewed to identify and explore desirable employability skills. <b>Results</b>: Results from interviews suggest that soft skills, such as <i>attitude</i>, <i>dependability</i>, <i>stamina</i>, <i>flexibility</i>, and <i>communication</i> are valued over skills that are more job-specific technical skills. <b>Conclusion:</b> These findings highlight the importance including instruction in these skill areas when training youth with IDDs to find and maintain employment.