Closing Competency Gaps for Engineering Students Using a Competence-Based Assessment Format

In the realm of Vocational and Professional Education and Training (VPET), the apprentice-based approach is established in engineering but reveals a disconnect between employer and learner perspectives on workplace culture. This study aimed to bridge this gap by assessing learner skill proficiency and aligning employer and young engineer expectations in the construction industry's digital age through Workplace Learning and Assessment (WLA). Employers and learners were surveyed to map learner competencies with future skill needs, shedding light on critical areas like Building Information Modelling (BIM), problem-solving, and presentation skills. Notably, students lacked the expected knowledge levels in key construction subjects, emphasizing the need for targeted education. The study's quantitative approach and analysis of employer and student perceptions offer valuable insights for educators, policymakers, and institutes. It highlights the importance of competence-based assessments and the potential for young engineers to adapt their skills for future roles. This research supports the evolution of effective workplace culture and a shift towards hybrid working, making it pertinent for the construction industry's future and VPET stakeholders.