Dissertation
Skills gap in the engineering industry and its impact on graduates
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Skills gap in the engineering industry and its impact on graduatesAccording to a Bughin et al., (2018) report by the McKinsey Global Institute, the digital skills divide in the engineering industry is substantial and growing. As many as 100 million labourers worldwide could be at risk of displacement by 2030 due to automation and technological advancements, according to the report. In addition, the report notes that the engineering industry is one of the most afflicted by the digital skills divide, which poses a significant challenge. Numerous studies have examined the effects of the skills divide on engineering graduates. Fernández-Batanero et al., (2021) discovered that the absence of digital skills among engineering graduates was a significant barrier to innovation and growth in the Portuguese engineering industry. Similarly, a 2016 study by Vogel et al. found that engineering graduates lacked the digital skills required by employers, with many having difficulty finding jobs commensurate with their qualifications. The consequences of the skills divide for engineering graduates extend beyond employability. According to a report by the (The Future of Jobs Report 2020) by World Economic Forum, the skills divide affects engineering graduates' career progression and earning potential. The report indicates that graduates with digital skills are more likely to earn more money and advance in their careers than those without such skills. Several initiatives have been implemented in response to the skills divide to resolve the problem. Gokhale et al., (2019) examined the efficacy of a project-based learning approach in bridging the skills divide among engineering graduates. The study determined that the approach was effective at enhancing the digital skills and employability of students. Likewise, (Tahir et al., (2022), examined the efficacy of a simulation-based approach in bridging the skills divide among engineering graduates. The study determined that the strategy was effective in enhancing students' digital skills and preparing them for the engineering industry's demands. Pinto et al., (2022), analysed the skills gap in the Portuguese engineering industry and discovered that a lack of digital skills was a significant barrier to innovation and development. The study revealed that graduates lack the digital skills necessary to satisfy the requirements of the engineering industry. This suggests there is a disparity between the skills graduates possess and the skills required by employers. Similarly, Whysall et al., (2019) as reported by the McKinsey Global Institute identified the engineering industry's digital skills gap as a significant challenge. The report emphasised that the industry must invest in new education and training programmes in order to resolve the issue. The authors also stated that a collaborative endeavour between governments, universities, and enterprises would be required. Significant effects of the skills divide on graduates can be observed. In the engineering industry, graduates without the requisite digital skills are less likely to find employment. This can result in unemployment or underemployment, affecting their financial security and mental health. According to a study conducted by the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) (Jenkins, 2020), graduates with excellent digital skills are more likely to obtain employment in the engineering industry. The study also revealed that graduates who participated in apprenticeships or co-op programmes were more likely to possess the digital skills required by the industry. In addition, graduates who do obtain employment in the engineering industry may be negatively affected by the skills divide. According to a study by (M. J. Alam et al., 2022), graduates who lacked the requisite skills were less likely to achieve career success. The study revealed that employees who lacked the required skills required more time to complete tasks and made more errors, resulting in decreased job satisfaction and lower salaries. In conclusion, the engineering industry's skills deficit is a significant challenge that impacts both graduates and the industry as a whole. Graduates' dearth of digital skills can result in unemployment, underemployment, and decreased job satisfaction. The industry must invest in new education and training programmes that are specifically designed to meet its changing demands. This would necessitate the collaboration of governments, universities, and corporations. Graduates with the necessary digital skills are more likely to be successful in their careers, whereas those without these skills require more time to complete tasks and make more errors, resulting in lower job satisfaction and lower salaries. Download 2.1 Mb. Share with your friends:
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