This study explores how ICT-driven digital skills can bridge the employment gap for graduates by preparing them for career readiness. As the digital economy expands, mastering advanced ICT skills becomes increasingly critical for graduates entering the workforce. The objective was to identify which digital skills enhance employability most significantly and how these skills can be integrated into educational curricula to support career readiness. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research involved surveying and conducting in-depth interviews with 200 graduates aged 21 to 30 from various urban and rural regions. Participants were chosen through purposive sampling to represent a diversity of educational backgrounds and socioeconomic statuses. The focus was on pinpointing essential ICT skills demanded by employers and assessing the accessibility and impact of existing digital skills training programs. Results indicate that proficiency in data analysis, software development, and digital marketing notably improves graduates' employability. However, the study also identified gaps in current training initiatives, such as a lack of practical application and insufficiently tailored learning pathways. The study concludes that embedding robust, practical digital skills training within educational frameworks, with a strong emphasis on hands-on experience, is crucial for enhancing career readiness. Future research should explore adaptive learning technologies to customize skill acquisition and evaluate the long-term career trajectories of graduates who receive comprehensive digital training.

Keywords: Digital skills, career readiness, employment gap, mixed-method, software development, digital marketing, graduates, workforce preparation, educational integration.