Bridging the Employability Gap: Evidence from Oman’s Logistics and Supply Chain Sector

Abstract

This study examines the employability gap affecting Omani nationals seeking employment in the logistics and supply chain sector, with particular reference to the objectives of Oman Vision 2040. Using a qualitative triangulation approach, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with industry professionals and a focus group involving experienced experts from the logistics and supply chain sector. The findings reveal that the employability gap is driven by a combination of technical skill mismatches, limited soft skills, and insufficient industry exposure, which collectively hinder graduates’ readiness for the workplace. In addition, employers highlight that graduates often demonstrate misaligned career expectations, limited adaptability, and a preference for specific job roles, which further restrict their employment opportunities within the private sector. A key contribution of this study is that it reframes the employability gap not simply as a deficit of technical and soft skills, but as a broader mismatch shaped by labour market expectations, occupational perceptions, and socio-cultural influences. The findings also show that factors such as job prestige, working conditions, and gender-related constraints play a significant role in shaping career choices and employment outcomes. This indicates that improving employability requires not only curriculum reform but also a deeper alignment between educational institutions, industry requirements, and societal perceptions of work. The study offers practical and policy-relevant insights for policymakers, educators, and industry stakeholders by emphasising the need for stronger collaboration between higher education institutions and the logistics sector. It also contributes to wider discussions on workforce localisation, graduate employability, and the alignment between higher education and labour market needs in emerging economies.