Abstract
The industrial economy is experiencing profound transformation due to technological innovations, globalization, and evolving workforce demands. Yet youth unemployment persists as a critical global and national challenge in Nigeria, which is exacerbated by persistent skill mismatches between TVE graduates skills and job market requirements. This study investigates the role of Technology and Vocational Education (TVE) in revolutionizing youth job readiness by enhancing employability and entrepreneurship skills while bridging skill gaps in Nigeria's dynamic industrial landscape. Utilizing a descriptive survey design, data were collected from 150 TVE-trained youth aged 18–30 in southwestern Nigeria via a validated, reliable questionnaire (Cronbach’s α = 0.89). Descriptive statistics revealed strong positive perceptions across three dimensions: relationship between TVE participation and skill development (grand mean = 3.29), effectiveness in addressing industrial skill gaps (grand mean = 3.28), and overall impact on workforce/self-employment preparedness (grand mean = 3.30). Inferential analyses confirmed significant results—Pearson correlation (r = 0.72, p < 0.001) for employability/entrepreneurship linkage, and one-sample t-tests (t = 11.47–11.68, p < 0.001) exceeding the neutral midpoint (2.5). Findings affirm TVE's pivotal, transformative potential in mitigating youth unemployment through industry-aligned, competency-based training that fosters adaptive, multi-skilled graduates. Recommendations emphasize increased investment, curriculum-industry alignment, public-private partnerships, and balanced hard/soft skills integration to sustain these gains amid ongoing economic challenges.

Keywords
Vocational and Technology Education, Youth Unemployment, Entrepreneurship. Skill Development, Industrial Economy