Perceived artificial intelligence literacy and employability of university students

Purpose – Artificial intelligence (AI) has been used in the workplace for years. There are compulsory or elective
AI courses in some universities for students to enroll in. With the wide adoption of AI in many industries now,
employers also expect students to make good use of AI to enhance their work productivity and efficiency. Hence,
the purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between AI literacy and perceived student employability.
Design/methodology/approach – The purposive sampling method was used in a higher educational institution
in Hong Kong. About 208 valid responses were obtained from university students. Partial least square structured
equation modeling was used in the analysis.
Findings – It was found that acceptance of using AI could be determined by perceived usefulness of AI and trust
in AI. Attitude toward AI could be influenced by acceptance of using AI. Attitude toward AI is also found to be
associated with AI literacy, which affects internal and external employability. Students with more perceived AI
knowledge could find it easier to get jobs.
Originality/value – This study contributes to a better understanding of the relationship between perceived AI
literacy and employability. Higher education should also consider how to prepare students for a new generation
of jobs with AI competence as requirements by reassessing their curricula.