Industry Skills Need and Skills Level Met by Polytechnic Engineering Graduates in Ghana and Sierra Leone

Abstract

Deficits in skills of engineering graduates from the Polytechnics in Ghana and Sierra Leone have been of great concern to both industry and the training institutions because they threaten the very survival of the training institutions and the student body. The key objectives of this study are to determine (1) the specific skills and attributes industries emphasized for new engineering graduates of polytechnics, and (2) the level of the skills and attributes that was met by the new engineering graduates at the various companies. Data was collected through the use of open-ended structured questionnaires and interviews. Findings revealed that (1) skills need of the industries comprised both technical and non-technical, (2) the industries attached equal importance to both the technical and non-technical skills and attributes, and (3) the industry’s estimate of the skills Polytechnic Engineering graduates met at the point of entry was 50 to 60% depth of knowledge, 40 to 45% of technical skills for those without industry experience and 50 to 55% technical skills for those who had industrial attachment. This study provides industry specific information on skills and attributes expected from Polytechnic Engineering graduates and also guides trainers in developing appropriate curricula and training modules.