Track: Engineering Economy

Abstract

Engineering graduates’ inability to apply theoretical knowledge in practice has become a challenge during the graduates’ transition into the industry. Engineering graduates require the competence to apply theoretical knowledge. Through experiential learning and with the assistance of a senior and/or experienced professional acting as mentors, this is achievable and will assist engineering graduates to fast track the development of the required competence. This study explores academic and industry professionals’ perspectives, with an engineering and construction and academic background , on what benefits mentoring provide in getting engineering graduates to build the relevant practical skills. A qualitative research approach using semi-structured interviews was conducted with participants. The study findings based on the analysis of data collected shows that through mentoring graduates accelerate career development, experiential learning, and skills development. Mentoring can foster the acquisition of the practical skills required for the engineering graduates.  Graduates also become aware of the significance of mentoring in exposing them to experiential learning and professional development. They are therefore better informed and participate in mentoring. Organisations and employers therefore become more encouraged to support mentoring programs (programmes) in generating competent human capitals.

Engineering graduates’ inability to apply theoretical knowledge in practice has become a challenge during the graduates’ transition into the industry. Engineering graduates require the competence to apply theoretical knowledge. Through experiential learning, and with the assistance of a senior and/or experienced professionals acting as mentors, this is achievable. This study explores the perspectives of academic and industry professionals with an engineering, construction and academic background on what benefits mentoring provide in getting the engineering graduates to build the relevant practical skills. A qualitative research approach using semi-structured interviews was conducted with participants. The study findings based on the analysis of data collected shows that through mentoring graduates accelerate career development, experiential learning, and skills development. Mentoring can foster the acquisition of the practical skills required for the engineering graduates to be attracted, integrated and established in the industry. Graduates also become aware of the significance of mentoring in exposing them to experiential learning and professional development. They are therefore better informed to participate in mentoring. Organisations and employers therefore become more encouraged to support mentoring programmes in generating competent human capitals.

Keywords

Engineering graduates, experiential learning, mentoring, engineering professionals.