Universities and employers urged to share responsibility for job-ready graduates
A commentary argues that universities and employers should work together from the first semester to prepare graduates for workplaces shaped by artificial intelligence and automation.
Higher education institutions have a duty to prepare students for professional success and social contribution, the piece says, as artificial intelligence, automation and digitalisation change how knowledge is applied at work. It argues that workforce readiness should begin in the first semester, through industry-informed courses, applied projects, professional mentoring and internships that give students substantive tasks and feedback.
The commentary says universities and employers should jointly define learning outcomes and assess progress, with students expected to explain what they contributed and why they made particular decisions. Certifications and micro-credentials can complement degrees when built into academic programmes, while academic advising, student wellbeing and communication and leadership skills are also seen as essential.
Partnerships, it says, should set clear objectives, named responsibilities and measurable outcomes, with employers contributing to curriculum design and teaching and faculty engaging with industry on research-based challenges. Employers were also urged to separate the skills needed at appointment from those graduates can develop through structured guidance.