Opportunity Issue 108

HIGHER EDUCATION
Competencies
Critical thinking, creativity, clear communication skills
(both written and spoken), problem-solving abilities and
collaboration are critical for interacting in a corporate
environment where these skills are required to drive the
business to be effective, efficient and competitive. An
additional competency that has recently become important
is the ability to apply oneself independently in a remotework
environment.
About the IIE
The Independent Institute of Education (The IIE) is a division of
the JSE-listed ADvTECH Group, Africa’s largest private education
provider. The IIE is the largest, most accredited registered private
higher education institute in South Africa and is accredited by
the British Accreditation Council (BAC), the independent quality
assurance authority that accredits private institutions in the UK.
Character qualities
These are more difficult to integrate into a curriculum as they
ultimately boil down to personality traits but it is important
to note that they can be introduced and developed.
Curiosity, confidence, initiative, persistence (grit), emotional
intelligence, adaptability, leadership, resilience and social/
cultural awareness are among the traits that are valued in
the workplace.
Technical skills
Proficiency in complex technologies, data manipulation and
strategic utilisation of technology has become essential for
gaining a competitive edge geared towards bridging the
gap between the skills demanded by industries and those
provided by higher-education institutions.
Evolving expectations
Harilal further explains how, as expectations evolve and
the future job market remains uncertain, many graduates
express apprehension about their employment prospects.
The role of higher-education institutions in bridging this
gap through a dynamic curriculum is pivotal in aligning
employer demands with 21st-century skills. This requires
continuous research into industry needs and the integration
of essential skills within their curricula. “Universities are
duty-bound through their curriculum and learning design
to develop and shape critical and independent thinkers,
equipping students with the necessary attributes to thrive
in the ever-evolving world of work. Recognising the scarcity
of employment opportunities, curricula must go beyond
compliance with policies and regulations, to continuously
evolve and remain flexible, ensuring that students’ education
aligns with employers’ expectations,” says Harilal. She says
students should be provided with opportunities to evaluate
conceptual knowledge, analyse complex ideas and generate
innovative solutions, enabling the development of numeracy,
writing, communication and technological skills to meet
industry demands. Harilal concludes, “By bridging the gap
between employer expectations and the skills possessed
by graduates, a seamless transition into the professional
world of work becomes more likely, to the benefit both of
the graduates and industry in South Africa.”
Cymbeline Harilal, Instructional Designer at The IEE
www.theworldofwork.co.za or www.iie.ac.za
www.opportunityonline.co.za | 53