Exploring Employability Skills Development in An English for Business Course Through Digital Project-Based Learning (DPjBL) among Fisheries and Marine Agribusiness Students

Abstract

The growing demand for industry-aligned competencies in vocational higher education has emphasized the importance of integrating employability skills into disciplinary courses. In the context of fisheries and marine agribusiness programs, graduates are expected not only to master technical knowledge but also to demonstrate communication, collaboration, critical thinking, problem-solving, and digital literacy skills relevant to global business environments. This study explores the development of employability skills through the implementation of Digital Project-Based Learning (DPjBL) in an English for Business course. Using a qualitative case study design, the research was conducted among fisheries and marine agribusiness students at a polytechnic institution. Data were collected through classroom observations, student project documentation, reflective journals, and semi-structured interviews. The DPjBL model engaged students in authentic business-related projects, including digital marketing campaigns, product pitching, and export-oriented business proposals using English as the medium of communication. The findings indicate that DPjBL significantly facilitated the development of key employability skills. Students demonstrated improved professional communication, enhanced teamwork and collaboration, stronger critical thinking in solving contextual business problems, and increased digital competence in utilizing online platforms for business purposes. Moreover, the integration of real-world industry scenarios strengthened students’ confidence and workplace readiness. This study suggests that DPjBL serves as an effective pedagogical approach for aligning English instruction with industry demands in vocational education. The findings contribute to the discourse on innovative English for Business pedagogy and offer practical implications for curriculum design aimed at enhancing employability skills in applied higher education contexts.