The University of Birmingham Dubai hosted a roundtable with ICE to address the skills gap between graduates and employers to enhance student employability.
4 March 2025•4 min read
The University of Birmingham Dubai continues to strengthen its collaborative engagements with industry to enhance student employability and bridge critical skills gaps. On Thursday, 27th February, the Director General of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), Dr Janet Young joined a panel of employers, civil engineers, graduates, and University of Birmingham Dubai staff for a hybrid roundtable discussion on ‘Addressing the Skills Gap Between Graduates and Employers.’
The discussion focused on understanding the disconnect between graduate skills and industry expectations, with employers sharing insights on the challenges graduates face in transitioning from academia to the workplace. While students receive rigorous academic training, many struggle to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings. Employers also observed gaps in soft skills, leadership potential, and adaptability, which are essential for success in engineering roles.
Elise Chalouhi, Design Manager at NEOM, challenged the notion of a "gap" in graduate readiness and instead advocated for examining the evolving needs of specific markets, regions, and industries. While employers often cite concerns about graduates' preparedness, she noted that this is primarily linked to soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, rather than technical knowledge. She argued that students are as ready as their level of exposure and training allows, highlighting the shared responsibility of universities, professional bodies like ICE, and employers in shaping student preparedness. She also emphasised the need to move beyond generalisations and focus on defining real market needs, particularly as the industry evolves with advancements in technology, AI, and climate change adaptation.
While participants acknowledged the realities of skills shortages, they also recognised the unrealistic expectations placed on graduates. Many employers expect new hires to be immediately work-ready, despite each organisation having distinct processes and workflows that graduates must learn and adapt to.
In addition, communication skills emerged as a critical area for improvement, with graduates needing to better articulate their expertise, engage with stakeholders, and present their ideas confidently in a competitive job market. Graduates must develop the ability to articulate their expertise, engage with stakeholders, and confidently present their ideas—all critical skills for success in today’s competitive job market.
The discussion steered into practical solutions for addressing these challenges. Key recommendations included introducing industry engagement from the first year of university, rather than waiting until final-year internships. Employers suggested encouraging students to join ICE early in their studies to start networking with industry professionals. There were also recommendations for awarding academic credits for practical experience, incentivising students to participate in real-world projects, internships, and industry collaborations.
Roger Griffiths, Business Development Manager at the University of Birmingham Dubai, suggested cultivating a tight-knit community of employers who are genuinely engaged in student development beyond career fairs and networking events. He emphasised the importance of providing students with more opportunities to present their work to employers, helping them develop confidence, communication skills, and industry awareness.
Dr Seyed Ghaffar, Head of Engineering at the University of Birmingham Dubai, reaffirmed the University’s commitment to enhancing employability through practical engagement. He emphasised that the University has significantly increased guest lectures, industry seminars, and real-world project collaborations within its engineering programmes. He also extended an official invitation to industry stakeholders to join the University’s advisory boards and contribute to co-developing new courses and CPD sessions, ensuring the next generation of engineers is equipped for the evolving sector.
The University of Birmingham Dubai’s postgraduate programmes in Construction and Advanced Engineering Management are designed to equip students with specialist knowledge, leadership skills, and practical industry exposure needed to navigate complex challenges in the built environment. These programmes integrate cutting-edge research, sustainability practices, and digital innovations, ensuring graduates are prepared to lead transformation in the engineering and construction sectors.
In her closing remarks, Janet Young underscored ICE’s commitment to investing in the future of civil engineering talent. She stressed that universities, employers, and professional bodies must work together to better prepare students for the evolving demands of the industry. She also noted that while skill gaps will always exist, continuous improvement and collaboration are key to minimising these challenges and ensuring graduates are equipped with the right tools for success.
Through stronger university-employer partnerships and industry-focused education, ICE and the University of Birmingham Dubai are actively shaping the next generation of engineers and industry leaders.
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