Sponsorship Works: Study of the Perceptions of Students, Employers, and Academics of Industrial Sponsorship

Abstract

The concerns over shortages of engineering graduates with the right skills entering industry is increasing. Lack of highly skilled graduates increases recruitment costs and affects the performance of the UK industry. Employers should therefore supply more feedback on the quality of graduates to make sure the changing requirements of industry are recognized and reflected in engineering degree programs. This research investigated how linking students throughout their degree study with employers affected students, academia, and employers. Evidence was obtained from sponsored and placement undergraduate engineering students in a department of Civil and Building Engineering, their academic tutors, and their employers. The results showed sponsored engineering programs that are operated by a university department in cooperation with employers matched the needs of students and requirements of employers. Sponsorship allowed both students and sponsors to have practical experience of working arrangements over three or more years before either party made a full commitment, it helped to develop undergraduate programs, and provided students with experience of real-life industrial engineering challenges. The main conclusions to be drawn from this study are sponsorship is a valuable strategy for enhancing the professional skills of intending engineers. More feedback from employers on the quality of graduates should be provided to departments of engineering so that the changing requirements of industry are recognized and reflected in engineering degree programs.