Title: Analysis of employability skills for future civil engineers in Malaysian construction industry

Authors: Faten Fadzillah Mohd Zuhairi; Che Khairil Izam Che Ibrahim; Sheila Belayutham

Addresses: Ministry of Higher Education, Complex E Federal Government Administrative Centre, 62604 Putrajaya, Malaysia ' Faculty of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia ' Faculty of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia

Abstract: Various efforts have been made by governments to strengthen civil engineering graduates' employability skills but the issue of unemployability still prevails. Although, research has been undertaken on employability skills for engineers, research that focuses specifically on civil engineering in the local context still remain elusive. This study was carried out to identify the elements of employability skills critical for future civil engineers in Malaysia. A survey questionnaire was administered to civil engineering related organisations in order to capture their perception on the elements of employability skills. Interviews were also conducted to validate the findings. The resulting six elements of employability skills for future civil engineers were; commitment, integrity, analyse root cause in identifying problem, logical thinking, verbal communication and ethical responsibility. The findings demonstrated that both personal qualities and key skills are significant to the civil engineer. A framework for successful future civil engineers in construction organisations is proposed which includes the six elements and the potential outcomes. This study also outlines the recommendations that could be helpful in advocating educational improvements towards enhancing the employability elements for future civil engineers in Malaysia.

Keywords: civil engineering; employability skills; graduates; construction industry; Malaysia.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCEELL.2018.098074

International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning, 2018 Vol.28 No.3/4, pp.310 - 336

Received: 27 Aug 2017
Accepted: 29 Jun 2018
Published online: 01 Mar 2019 *

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