Yaning Chen, Shisen Li, Rui Chen
The integration of industry and education serves as a critical pathway for improving the quality of talent training in higher vocational colleges and achieving high-quality employment for graduates. This study employs linear regression and moderating effect models to examine the impact of industry–education integration on employment quality in higher vocational institutions, using data from the 2024 Vocational Education Quality Annual Report from 689 higher vocational colleges in China. The results show an inverted “U” relationship between the integration level of industry and education and employment quality in higher vocational colleges. Moreover, teachers’ qualification level and curriculum development capacity negatively moderate this relationship. Additionally, the effect of the industry–education integration on employment quality is heterogeneous across the public and private institutions, and whether a college has been designated as a “Double High” institution. Therefore, efforts should be made to strengthen teachers’ practical teaching abilities and enhance curriculum adaptability, as well as to implement differentiated guidance and support policies to effectively improve graduates’ employment quality.