The Impact of Deep Industry–education Integration on High-Quality Employment: Empirical Evidence from Vocational Education in Dongying

Abstract

High-quality employment has emerged as a pivotal concern within the context of economic transformation and industrial upgrading. Vocational education plays a crucial role in supplying skilled labor; however, its effectiveness is largely contingent upon the depth of collaboration between educational institutions and industries. This study investigates the impact of deep industry–education integration on high-quality employment outcomes, using vocational education in Dongying as an empirical case. Drawing upon human capital theory and collaborative governance theory, this paper constructs an analytical framework that links the depth of industry–education integration to employment quality through mediating mechanisms such as skill matching, practical competence, and employment stability. Utilizing institutional data, policy documents, and graduate employment indicators, the findings reveal that deeper integration significantly enhances employment quality outcomes, including job–skill alignment, income levels, and career sustainability. The results provide empirical support for industry–education integration as an effective mechanism for improving employment quality and offer policy implications for vocational education reform.