Ulster University survey finds employers need digital and IT skills from graduates
posted on 4 February 2022
A graduate employer survey conducted by Ulster University has given a unique insight into graduate labour market recruitment needs to help address the current skills gap and support economic growth and recovery post COVID-19.
The survey, conducted by Ulster University was completed by 99 graduate employers from NI, ROI and across the UK.
Graduate employers were asked about their future graduate recruitment plans, average starting salaries, required skill sets and skill deficits, placements along with graduate recruitment selection activities and collaborative opportunities.
RELATED: Partnership with Ulster University and MEGA to provide new apprenticeships
The survey found that Communication, digital soft skills, and technical Information Technology (IT) related skills ranked highly important amongst graduate employers. Employers said that these skills were needed from the future workforce.
38% of those surveyed also stated there is an undersupply of graduate skills.
Angela Scanlon, Director of Employability at Ulster University commented on the findings stating: ”As highlighted in the report, common themes of collaboration, relevant work experience and the importance of written and verbal communication, digital soft skills and technical IT related skills are well documented. We’re working to address how we support the need for greater employer collaboration through our Integrated Curriculum Design Framework, used to inform campus based and digital learning experiences.”
RELATED: Ulster University shortlisted for ‘University of the Year’
Clodagh Nugent, HR Talent Management and Acquisition at AllState also added: “Graduates, internships, placements and other work-based learning pathways play an important role in supporting the talent pipeline of our organisation in areas including Technology, Finance and Data Science. It is vital that companies and academia such as Ulster University engage closely to understand how talent management and business development needs can be met in the post-pandemic era. This continued collaboration can ensure a strong entry-level talent pipeline in Northern Ireland and support economic recovery.”
To read the full report visit: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/business/employers/updates/other/ulster-release-findings-from-graduate-employer-survey
Source: Written from press release.
