CRITICAL FACTORS INFLUENCING BUILDING GRADUATES' EMPLOYABILITY IN A DEVELOPING ECONOMY

Abstract

Schools of higher learning are endowed with the prerogative of churning out employable graduates to the workplace. This can only be achieved by measuring the need-thermometer in skills and capacities required in the industry in comparison with the education provided by the higher institutions. The study was aimed at evaluating the critical factors that influence building graduates' employability in a developing economy. Using an employer-academia perspective, a cross-section survey system through a questionnaire instrument provided information on graduate employability in the built environment industry. Top management officials in construction industry and academia in the built environment in schools of higher learning in Lagos and Ogun State provided the data for the study. Statistical tools such as stacked bars and Linear Regression was used in presenting the data. The study revealed major skills (communication, teamwork, professional expertise/problem-solving, self-management, planning and organizing, ICT, life-long learning, and initiative/enterprise) required by employers in the construction industry. The study showed that teaching strategies and curriculum content can influence building graduates' employability. In conclusion, the study developed a framework for increasing building graduates' employability to align with the skills needed by employers in the built environment in a developing economy. It is recommended that schools of higher learning need to continually measure the needs of the industry and incorporate findings into a robust construction curriculum. Work-learning settings should be encouraged for construction students.