Identification of Occupational and Employability Competencies needed by Automobile Electrical Systems’ Technicians

Abstract

For many years, Occupational and Employability Competencies needed by Automobile Electrical Systems’ Technicians have been a topic of debate. Employers have argued that students are often not adequately prepared for the workplace challenges. The graduate generic skills are perceived as more important than technical skills by employers and valued over them. In a major study conducted by Harvey and Geall (1977), graduate employability was identified as a major concern for employers. According to the report from the UK Industry and Parliament Trust’s Study group on employability “employers are not satisfied with the quality of young people and graduates coming into the labour market” Hence, the Identification of Occupational and Employability Competencies needed by Automobile Electrical Systems’ Technicians will entail a re-think in the development of appropriate curriculum for these technicians by the universities’ authorities. Such a curriculum should incorporate among others, interpersonal, communication and problem solving skills.