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Volume 4,Issue 1

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26 January 2026

Training and Adoption of AI Technology for Sustainable Career in Vulnerable Employment Groups: A Mixed-Method Netcoincidental Analysis

Yiting Qiu1,2* Tet Vui Chong2 Wen Liu1 Yang Wu1 Md Munir Hayet Khan2 Deshinta Arrova Dewi3
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1 Zhejiang Technical Institute of Economics, Hangzhou 310018, Zhejiang, China
2 Faculty of Engineering and Quantity Surveying, INTI International University, Persiaran Perdana BBN, 71800 Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
3 Faculty of Data Science and Information Technology, INTI International University, Nilai 71800, Negeri Sembilan,  Malaysia
EIR 2026 , 4(1), 183–196; https://doi.org/10.18063/EIR.v4i1.1320
© 2026 by the Author. Licensee Whioce Publishing, Singapore. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ )
Abstract

This mixed-methods study investigates the acceptance of artificial intelligence (AI) among vulnerable employment groups (freelancers, gig workers, low‑skilled workers) and the role of training in shaping their attitudes and behaviors. Based on an extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), we surveyed 39 individuals from vulnerable employment backgrounds and conducted in‑depth interviews with 6 participants. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t‑tests, and reticular coincidence analysis (RAC) to visualize significant associations among TAM dimensions, training experience, and demographic variables. Qualitative data provided contextual insights into participants' perceptions. Results show generally positive attitudes, with perceived usefulness (M = 5.41) and intention to use (M = 5.49) rated highest, while actual use lagged (M = 4.93). Training experience was associated with higher perceived ease of use (p < 0.05) and behavioral intention. RAC networks revealed that positive attitudes cluster together, forming a profile of younger, experienced, trained individuals; negative attitudes were rare and linked to older age and lack of training. Interview narratives confirmed that training reduces anxiety, builds practical skills, and enhances career prospects. These findings underscore the importance of targeted AI training programs for vulnerable groups to promote digital inclusion and employability, contributing to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Keywords
AI adoption
vulnerable employment groups
AI training
reticular coincidence analysis
mixed methods
AI literacy
SDGs
Funding
1. Project Title: An Empirical Study on the Enhancement of Skills and Literacy among Vulnerable Employment Groups through Practical Training (2025 Zhejiang Province Chinese Vocational Education Research Project) (Project No.: ZJCV2025D07). 2. Project Title: An Empirical Study on Cultivating Higher-Order Thinking Skills among Vocational College Students through AI-Accompanied Learning Scenarios on the Chaoxing Platform (2025 Higher Education Research Project and “Research on AI-Empowered Teaching and Learning Applications” by the Zhejiang Provincial Higher Education Society) (Project No.: KT2025499).
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