page 6 This study emphasizes the vital role of STEM education in equipping learners with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to meet the demands of an evolving labor market. Recent research highlights that STEM learning fosters essential competencies. such as critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and adaptability, which are Increasingly valued in modern workplaces (Argyri & Smyrnaiou, 2024). Furthermore, STEM programs that incorporate real world applications and project based learning have been shown to improve students' motivation, engagement, and career readiness by connecting classroom knowledge to industry practices (Wu, 2025) page 7 Studies also indicate that the alignment between educational outcomes and market demands is key to addressing global workforce challenges. When STEM curriculum are designed with industry input, graduates are better prepared to enter the job market and contribute effectively to innovation and productivity (Giotis, 2025). Collectively, these findings demonstrate that strengthening STEM education is an effective strategy to bridge the skills gap, enhance employability, and promote sustainable economic growth. page 8 IMPLICATIONS The implications of this study extend to educators, STEM students, and employers. For educators, the results highlight the importance of designing STEM curriculaum that integrate practical experiences and collaborative learning environments to build students' technical and interpersonal skills. Institutions should provide opportunities such as internships, research projects, and mentorship programs that connect academic learning with professional applications. For STEM students, the study emphasizes the need for active participation in learning experiences that cultivate both technical expertise and soft skills. Engaging in hands on projects, innovation challenges, and extracurricular STEM programs can help students strengthen their problem solving abilities, creativity, and teamwork. By developing a mindset of continuous learning and curiosity, STEM students can enhance their employability and adaptability in a competitive job market. For employers and industries collaboration with educational institutions can help shape programs that address real skill shortages while offering students pathways to meaningful employment. By aligning education with workforce needs, stakeholders can ensure that STEM education continues to drive innovation, social mobility, and economic progress in the years to come. page 9 CONCLUSION This study emphasizes the vital role of STEM education in equipping learners with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to meet the demands of an evolving labor market. Recent research highlights that STEM learning fosters essential competencies such as critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and adaptability, which are increasingly valued in modern workplaces (Argyri & Smyrnaiou, 2024), Furthermore. STEM programs that incorporate real world applications and project based learning have been shown to improve students' motivation, engagement, and career readiriess by connecting classroom knowledge to industry practices (Wu, 2025) Studies also indicate that the alignment between educational outcomes and market demands is key to addressing global workforce challenges. When STEM curriculum are designed with industry input, graduates are better prepared to enter the job market and contribute effectively to innovation and productivity (Giotis, 2025). Collectively, these findings demonstrate that strengthening STEM education is an effective strategy to bridge the skills gap, enhance employability, and promote sustainable economic growth