BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION AND LABOR MARKET NEEDS: EMPLOYABILITY AND PERCEPTIONS OF AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING GRADUATES IN NORTH MACEDONIA

Апстракт

Over the past decade, there has been a significant decline in interest in studying agricultural sciences in North Macedonia. This decrease is primarily attributed to labor market fluctuations in the agricultural sector, which differ substantially from other sectors in terms of dynamics and challenges. To address this issue, a comprehensive study was conducted at the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Food - Skopje (FASF), Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje (UKIM). The study focused on the employability, income levels, and perceptions of graduates in agricultural engineering, but also the perceptions of the employers on the profile of an agricultural engineer envisioned by the different profiles of employers in the sector. The findings highlight the need for targeted educational actions and employment policies to address the identified challenges and opportunities, particularly for highly qualified personnel in the sector.