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How to narrow the gap between the skills required by industry and those currently

available in college graduates?

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Aligning College Education with Industry Needs

College graduates are increasingly finding it difficult to survive in the current

employment market. Likewise, employers are struggling to find the right talent for the workplace

due a skills gap that exists between fresh graduates and the industry requirements. The gap that

makes it difficult for employers retain graduates due to a mismatch between the current

education system and the industry requirements. Industries that require employees with technical

skills, such as engineering, suffer the most as automation has made it mandatory for employees

to have advanced skills, which the education system does not provide (Bennett, 2019). Bridging

the gap between education and industry skills can be made possible by focusing on

collaborations and funding of institutions.

Collaborations between institutions of higher learning and industry partners can help

bridge the skills gap in the current job market. Industry partners can assist universities and

technical colleges design training modules that align with industry requirements (Bennett, 2019).

As such, faculty members can constantly engage professionals in curriculum development. As

such, they can develop innovative teaching methods that involve case studies and projects that

make the curriculum more practical. Also the collaborations between industry partners and

institutions should result in practical chances such as apprenticeships and internships.

Institutions of higher learning should focus on increasing their budgetary allocation to

new technologies to keep up with industry needs. Faculties should invest in cutting-edge

hardware and software currently available in the job market (Bennett, 2019). The latest

technology ensures that students are practically equipped and updated with market demands.

Aligning college education with industry needs is a continuous process, as today’s

business world is fast-paced. While the skills gap is evident, collaborations between industry
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players and higher learning institutions can help reduce it and produce graduates who cope with

the current requirements. Updating the curricula with the latest technologies, increasing funding

to acquire state-of-the-art equipment, and facilitating practical experiences for students would go

a long way in reducing the skills deficit.

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Reference

Bennett, D. (2019). Graduate employability and higher education: Past, present and

future. HERDSA Review of Higher Education, 5, 31-61.