An outcome-based education module incorporated into a blended learning approach to enhance students' skill in modern automobile parts manufacturing industry in work-integrated learning

Background/purpose. The Automobile Parts Manufacturing Industry (APMI) is currently facing rapid changes due to continuous technological innovations. These shifts are reshaping the skills required for future workforce participation in the sector. Consequently, it is essential to prepare students with future-oriented competencies that align with industrial demands. This study aims to identify the key future skills needed in the APMI and to develop an Outcome-Based Education Module (OBEM) that incorporates blended learning methodologies. The research further investigates the effectiveness of the OBEM in enhancing students' future skills.

Materials/methods.  This research was conducted in three phases as follows: 1) an investigation into the expected future skills required in the APMI; 2) the development of an OBEM; and 3) an evaluation of the effectiveness of the OBEM in enhancing future skills.

Results.  The research findings revealed that future skills required in the APMI can be categorized into two main groups: Professional Skills and Soft Skills. Based on these identified skill demands, five modules were developed within the OBEM, specifically tailored for the APMI context. Students who participated in the learning process through the OBEM, which integrated OBEM with blended learning approaches, demonstrated statistically significant improvements in future skills required for the APMI.