Approaches for Developing Generic Skills in Building Technology Graduates for Global Competitiveness

Abstract

The need to inculcate generic skills into graduates to meet the demands of the ever dynamic workplace has been of concern to stakeholders in education and the world of work. This concept of a global competitiveness, and generic skills were reviewed and discussed. This paper also examined the importance of generic skills; and factors influencing generic skills development among graduates were highlighted. This factors calls for different approaches and shift in pedagogy in developing generic skills for global competitiveness which include: change in instructional delivery, from the traditional method of instruction to cooperative learning model. It also involves integration and contextualized learning, creating world class spaces for learning, enhanced utilization of technology and inclusive learning and teaching environment for producing global workers in building technology.

An appraisal of generic skills for Nigerian built environment professionals in workplace: the unexplored approach

“…The absence of generic skills learning may have contributed to this high benchmark. This assertion collaborates the claim by the former Minister of Education (Mr Sam Egwu), that only 20% of intending employees are employable in Nigeria (In Olatunji’s study as cited in Oviawe and Uwameiye, 2020). This may be the reason as reported by Aliu and Aigbavboa (2020), that Nigerian employers are constantly searching for intending employees who may have managed to acquire some generic skills via personal learning and exploration for advanced knowledge.…”

“…The level of skills acquired matters in this respect. Oviawe and Uwameiye (2020) affirmed that employers are demanding skills from employees to complement disciplinary expertise and cope with the requirements of the global workforce. The built environment is not left out.…”

“…This intends to complement the academic soundness of the employees. In the built environment, employers are seeking employees who are satisfactorily equipped with the correct skills and sound aptitudes (Oviawe and Uwameiye, 2020). Also, the employees should be able to learn new technologies, develop innovative techniques, cross-function in teamwork, to troubleshoot, among others.…”

Sprouting employability skills in building technology students’ using cooperative learning approaches in Nigerian Polytechnics

“…Every building technology graduates are expected to be able to secure employment, set up an independent venture or pursue further education in building construction career. Oviawe and Uwameiye (2020) asserted that employers globally require staff highly trained workforce with generic, technical and academic skills to meet the demands of the dynamic changes in technology, increase in social and global competition. Employers of all kinds require their workforce to work readily and confidently across the worldwide operation, using a global outlook to consider new opportunities and challenges.…”

“…However, the result of the training offered to learners while in school fails to match up with the expectations of the world of work thereby leaving the graduates short of the employability skills (broad set of knowledge, work habits, character traits) perceived to be essential in the ever dynamic workplace. Employers of all kinds require their workforce to work readily and confidently across the worldwide operation, using a global outlook to consider new opportunities and challenges (Oviawe & Uwameiye, 2020). Professor Charles Soludo lamented that Nigerians are not employable due to a poor standard of education (Ajuluchukwu, 2012).…”