Future Expectations of Occupational Health and Safety Students: An Analysis Based on Educational and Socioeconomic Variables

This study examines the future expectations of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) students regarding socioeconomic determinants and the emerging digital competency gap. The sample comprises 359 students selected through convenience sampling using the "Future Expectation Scale." Results indicate students possess moderate future expectations (x̄=2.66); while career optimism is high (x̄=3.93), economic and social outlooks are significantly lower. Notably, students from foundation universities and industrially active regions exhibit significantly higher expectations. These disparities highlight a critical gap in accessing practical training resources. Consequently, the study concludes that traditional educational methods are insufficient to meet modern industry demands. Integrating immersive technologies, such as Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR), into OHS curricula is essential to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and Industry 5.0 requirements, enhancing student motivation and career readiness.