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Student perceptions of skills and employability.

Article Excerpt
Abstract

There have been a number of studies into skills gaps and shortages and industry perceptions of graduate skills. Many of these studies have suggested that problems with graduate skills can be ameliorated by the increased use of placement schemes and closer contacts between industry and higher education. One aspect that is frequently omitted from these studies is students' attitudes toward, and perceptions of, the skills needed for success and the value of work placements to future career prospects. The Digital Media Network surveyed 215 students on thirteen digital media courses in three universities in the northeast of England to ascertain students' views on these important issues.

Introduction

There is an on going concern that graduates in the United Kingdom are leaving university without the skills required for success in industry and that this is hampering the country's economic competitiveness. This problem is particularly acute in knowledge-based industries such as digital media. Consequently there have been a number of studies into skills gaps and shortages (Johnson et al 2002, e-business.nto 2000, Parker 1999, Johnson 1999, Dickenson 2000). These studies have a common factor, in that they focus on demand-side issues. Many of the studies recommend an increase in work placements as a means of addressing the skills gaps and shortages reported by employers. This has sparked a debate on the role and purpose of university education (see for example National Committee of Inquiry in Higher Education 1997, Matlay 2000, Harvey et al 2002). Again, increasing the availability of placement schemes, along with efforts to develop students' understanding of the world of work, are cited as ways of reducing skill shortages. The studies cited above have examined the problems surrounding skills shortages from the perspectives of employers and academics; however one crucial group of stakeholders has largely been left out of the debate, namely students. This paper is based on work carded out during 2003 to examine students' perceptions of the quality of their courses; the skills and experience they hope to acquire; which skills they think employers value; their attitudes regarding industrial placements; and their use of, and views on, careers advice services and graduate support organizations.

Method

A questionnaire was developed as the main data collection tool. This approach was used to allow the research team to maximise the number of students surveyed; furthermore the research team felt that the use of more time consuming methods would have reduced the willingness of course leaders to co-operate with the research. A pilot study was conducted to ensure the clarity of the questions and correct any...

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