Engineering Education for Sustainable Cities in Africa: A Case for Rwanda

Despres-Bedward, Antoine

doi:10.24908/pceea.v0i0.7380

Cited by 1 publication

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References 7 publications

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“…Engineering education in East Africa at tertiary level was introduced later than other disciplines such as social sciences, especially after political independence from colonisation. The formation of the East African Community (EAC) in 1967 helped unify the education systems across the EAC countries (Despres-Bedward et al, 2015;Kumar et al, 2004). At the time, engineering students from Tanzania and Uganda used to study at the University of Nairobi, Kenya, which was the sole engineering school in the EAC (Kumar et al, 2004).…”

Section: Engineering Education and Practical Training In East Africamentioning

confidence: 99%

Leverage points in engineering ecosystems: student industrial secondments in East Africa

2023

SJEE

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While the relative shortage of engineering practitioners in Africa has been reported as a major obstacle on the road to development, a significant number of existing engineering graduates still find it difficult to find employment in engineering fields. This dichotomy may be partially explained by the inability of local industries to absorb more skilled labour; a relative deficit (real or perceived) in the competency of local graduates in the ever-advancing areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM); and/or a scarcity of opportunities to hone and demonstrate their competency to employers. To address the challenge of competency deficit, this study postulated that promoting effective engineering student industrial secondment (SIS) activities can be a leverage point in the engineering ecosystem by strengthening the linkages between engineering education, practice and employability. The study surveyed the history of engineering practical training in Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda, complemented with a pilot study of four long-term, employment-like SIS placements in Tanzania and Rwanda. The main objective was to observe closely, trial potential models, and learn from and synthesise effective SIS experiences. The study found similarities across the countries regarding experiences with student practical training models, their challenges, and the perspectives of stakeholders. Findings also support that longer durations of SIS placements than currently practised help increase the employability of engineering students. However, in view of the small number of placements, further evidence is called for.

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Section: Engineering Education and Practical Training In East Africamentioning

confidence: 99%

Leverage points in engineering ecosystems: student industrial secondments in East Africa

2023

SJEE

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

Engineering Education for Sustainable Cities in Africa: A Case for Rwanda

Cited by 1 publication

References 7 publications

Leverage points in engineering ecosystems: student industrial secondments in East Africa

Leverage points in engineering ecosystems: student industrial secondments in East Africa

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