In today’s dynamic and evolving job market, vocational education plays a vital role in equipping students with practical skills for successful careers. This study investigates the employment challenges faced by vocational students in China, an issue that has become a significant societal concern amidst the rapid expansion of vocational education in recent years. Despite increased enrollment in vocational colleges, the unemployment rate among graduates continues to rise, largely due to a gap between the soft skills of students and the demands of the labor market. The study’s objectives are twofold: (1) to assess the level of soft skills and work readiness among vocational students in China, and (2) to explore the relationship between soft skills and work readiness. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 132 respondents, including 56 male and 76 female students across various majors. Statistical package for social sciences SPSS) Version 26 was used for analyzing the mean score, standard deviations and the correlation analysis. The analysis reveals that soft skills among vocational students are generally at a moderate level, with mean scores ranging from 2.53 to 3.32. Furthermore, a significant positive correlation between soft skills and work readiness was found (P < 0.01), suggesting that enhanced soft skills could improve students' preparedness for the workforce. Theoretically, this study contributes to the understanding of the role of soft skills in vocational education and their impact on employability. Practically, the findings suggest that vocational education institutions should prioritize soft skills training in their curricula to better align graduates’ abilities with labor market needs, thus enhancing their employability prospects. These insights offer valuable guidance for policymakers and educators in designing curricula that address the growing demand for soft skills in the modern workplace. © 2025 by author(s). Environment and Social Psychology is published by Arts and Science Press Pte. Ltd.
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