48
%
of employers think graduates
have the soft skills they expect
at the point of hiring
61
%
of employers
think graduates lack
self-awareness
EMPLOYABILITY
QUICK
• Both graduates and apprentices
lack key employability skills at the
point of hiring, employers warn.
• However, the extent of skills gaps
is shrinking, according to the ISE’s
survey findings.
68
%
• Greater emphasis on co-ordinated
skills development is needed across
schools, universities and businesses.
of employers think
apprentices lack time
management skills
perceived to be wider for apprentices.
For example, 68% of employers think
apprentices lack time-management
skills, compared to only 44% who think
graduates lack these.
On a positive note, the extent
of skills gaps, in terms of the nine key
soft skills, appears to be shrinking. When
compared with survey findings two
years ago, 7% more employers believe
graduates have each skill at the point
of hiring. This does not negate the need
for further action on skills: employers
want to improve performance and
productivity. It is in the interests of
employers, schools, universities and
students to collaborate on this.
Developing self-awareness
ABOUT ISE
The Institute of Student Employers (ISE) is a not-for-profit
membership organisation and the UK’s leading
independent voice for student employers. It promotes
excellence and innovation in the resourcing, assessment
and development of emerging talent. ise.org.uk
In last year’s Development Survey,
employers indicated that the best time
to learn key soft skills is outside of
university; 61% agreed that they need
to work more closely with schools to
help close the skills gap. Secondary
school was perceived as the best place
to learn self-awareness, problem
solving, interpersonal skills and
teamwork, while it was felt that resilience
is best acquired at university.
Skills work needs to start early;
leaving it until university or employment
is too late. We need more emphasis on
co-ordinated skills development across
schools, universities and businesses.
FUTURE TALENT // 27