Engineers named best graduates by Australian employers

Engineers Australia says that Australian employers have named engineering graduates as the best for the fourth year running.

The Australian Government’s Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) Employer Satisfaction Survey found employers’ overall satisfaction level with engineering graduates was at 90.4%.

The survey looked at the quality of education provided at Australian institutions by asking the employers of new graduates about the generic skills, technical skills and work readiness of the graduate.

Engineers Australia CEO Romilly Madew said the result reflects the quality of Australian graduates and teaching institutions as well as the high level of industry engagement.

“Australian engineering degrees have a real focus on the development of both technical and professional skills,” she said. “This arms graduates with complex problem-solving skills that are useful in a range of business contexts, not just technology, making them highly desirable and valuable employees.

“This outcome also rewards the efforts by industry to support the profession. Students are required to gain industry experience and reflect on this using the graduate competency framework of the professional accreditation process operated by Engineers Australia.”

The report follows on from the Graduate Outcomes Survey conducted earlier this year, which found 80.3% of last year’s engineering graduates found full-time employment.

“With high demand predicted for engineers set to continue, there has never been a better time to enter the profession,” Madew said. “Engineering is a diverse, interesting and rewarding profession that offers numerous opportunities for purpose-driven students interested in science, technology and innovation.

“With a broad range of disciplines and projects, engineering offers something for everyone, and individuals can pursue their passions while making a positive impact on society.”