Dissertation
Confidence in Hiring Additional Mechanical Engineering Graduates as Needed
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Confidence in Hiring Additional Mechanical Engineering Graduates as NeededAll four interviewees express confidence in hiring more mechanical engineering graduates due to the expansion in vehicle production, provided they meet the technical standards required. They all emphasize the importance of computer-based technology training, as automation is prevalent in the automobile industry. Interviewee 1 suggests that the curriculum must be transformed to integrate computer-based digital skills training in classrooms, laboratories, workshops, and industrial attachments. They mention that graduates should be familiar with basic engineering software such as CAD, Fusion 360, and ANSYS before completing their HND or first degree. They also believe that universities need to focus more on training mechanical graduates with digital base machines and tools, as the industry is shifting towards machine learning and artificial intelligence. Interviewee 1 (IE1) emphasizes the need for curriculum transformation to integrate "computer-based digital skills training" and familiarity with engineering software such as CAD, Fusion 360, and ANSYS. This perspective aligns with previous research highlighting the importance of integrating digital skills and technology-based training in engineering education ( e.g., Ilomäki et al., 2016; Spante et al., 2018) Interviewee 2 highlights the existence of a training plan for new graduates from technical universities joining the industry. They mention training programs organized in South Africa, which controls the sub-Saharan market. New employees receive digital training through NSTEP 1 and 2 in Ghana, and their final NSTEP 3 training takes place in South Africa. Interviewee 2 (IE2) discusses the value of international training programs, such as NSTEP, which equip new graduates with digital skills and practical experience. This focus on international training programs supports the idea that exposure to global best practices can enhance graduates' skills and better prepare them for the evolving demands of the industry (e.g., Ilomäki et al., 2016; Miço & Cungu, 2022). Interviewees 3 (IE3) and 4 (IE4) reiterate the importance of computer-based technology training and automation in the automobile industry, supporting the growing consensus in the literature that digital skills are crucial for engineers in the modern workforce (e.g., Agrawal & Harrington-Hurd, 2016; Zonnenshain & Kenett, 2020). The interviewees express confidence in hiring more mechanical engineering graduates, provided they possess the necessary digital skills and are prepared for the increasing automation in the automobile industry. The findings suggest that curriculum transformation, international training programs, and a strong focus on computer-based technology training are essential to ensure graduates can meet the technical standards and adapt to the evolving needs of the industry. These perspectives align with existing literature emphasizing the importance of digital skills, technology-based training, and global best practices in engineering education (e.g., (Ilomäki et al., 2016; Miço & Cungu, 2022). Download 2.1 Mb. Share with your friends:
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