Improving English Proficiency and Employability Skills of Rural Engineering Professionals Using ICT and AI: An ESP Framework in ELT

Abstract

The growing demand for skilled professionals in the global job market underscores the need to enhance both English proficiency and employability skills, particularly among rural engineering professionals. In regions such as the erstwhile Adilabad, Karimnagar, and Warangal districts of Telangana, where access to quality education and skill development opportunities is often limited, the integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents promising solutions. This study explores the potential of ICT and AI tools to improve the English proficiency and employability skills of rural engineering professionals through Cotton's (2001) Employability Skills Framework within an English for Specific Purposes (ESP) approach. By evaluating the effectiveness of these technological interventions, the research aims to bridge skill gaps among rural professionals, fostering their career development and enhancing their employability. The findings will provide valuable insights into the role of ICT and AI in shaping the future of rural engineering professionals in Telangana, with broader implications for educational practices in rural India.