Survey of Graduates of Technical Institutions, 2008

In this publication, the National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (NIHERST) presents the results of the tracer study of Trinidad and Tobago nationals who graduated from public technical institutions in engineering and applied technology programmes over the period 2002 to 2006.

The frame of the study included Trinidad and Tobago nationals who graduated from Metal Industries Company Ltd. (MIC) and The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) campuses of John S. Donaldson Technical Institute (JSDTI), San Fernando Technical Institute (SFTI) and Trinidad and Tobago Institute of Technology (TTIT).

This survey was designed to obtain information on the current status of the graduates through a number of key demographic and social indicators. The study provides insights into graduate demand through the level of employment by fields of study and sectors of the economy, entrepreneurship and post-graduate qualification. It also provides a framework from which further studies can be undertaken, in addition to data on the relevance of local engineering and applied technology programmes to the actual job market in Trinidad and Tobago.

The results of the study are intended to assist policy planners, educators and decision-makers in the formulation and evaluation of science and technology programmes in the public and private sectors.

Data Highlights

• Over the reference period, 2002 to 2006, the majority of the sample of graduates specialised in electrical/electronic engineering (37%) and mechanical engineering (28%).

• A significant percentage (87%) of the graduates obtained their qualifications while under the age of 25.

• A substantial proportion (73%) of graduates obtained a diploma, at which level most programmes were offered, and 22% received certificates.

• Of the UTT graduates, 46% completed their programme of studies in 2 years, followed by 24% in 3 years. Fifty-two percent (52%) were successful in completing the 2 ½ year programme in this time. The journeyman programme offered by MIC was completed by 87% of the graduates in 3 ½ years.

• Eighty-nine (89%) of the respondents were employed and 11% were unemployed, of which 7% were classified as students as at June, 2008. Full employment was recorded amongst graduates of both genders by the various fields of study.

• The survey results show that over 50% of the graduates had obtained employment within the same year of graduation.

• One quarter (25%) of the sample of graduates reported their first employment in the petroleum and gas sector; community, social and personal services absorbed 22% and manufacturing 18%.

• Except for telecommunication engineering, the majority of graduates (37%) in the various fields of study reported employment in the petroleum and gas sector as at June, 2008. The community, social and personal services sector absorbed one-fifth (20%) of the graduates, especially amongst those who qualified in telecommunication engineering (39%).

• A higher percentage (38%) of the males was employed in the petroleum and gas sector compared to a quarter (24%) in the case of the females. Community, social and personal services sector accounted for the largest proportion (28%) of female employment.

• A quarter (26%) of the graduates received gross monthly incomes of $6,000 to $7,999 as at June, 2008 and one-fifth earned between $8,000 to $9,999 (22%) and $4,000 to $5,999 (20%). Male graduates received higher monthly incomes than their female counterparts. The education to job relevance increased to 65% in the current jobs of graduates from 50% in their first job.

• Approximately two-fifths (38%) of all graduates held one job and one-third (33%) held two jobs after graduation. Job mobility was most significant amongst electrical/electronic engineering and mechanical engineering graduates, and least amongst process plant operators.

• Income (24%) was identified as the main reason for job mobility followed by job security (22%).

• The majority (67%) of the graduates was of the opinion that the practical and work experience acquired during their study were mainly responsible for their recruitment.

• A relatively large percentage of graduates gave a high rating to theory content (51%), industrial training (46%) and project work (40%) as components of technical education that contributed to their ability to cope with their jobs. A medium ranking was shown for guidance from lecturers (39%) and laboratory content (34%); computer training (41%) received a substantially low rating.

• Interesting work (68%) was ranked as the key component of job satisfaction, followed by job security (51%) and career advancement (48%); medium rating was shown for income (53%) and working conditions (53%).

• Only 13% of the sample of graduates had obtained higher qualification at the bachelor's degree level while approximately a fifth (19%) was pursuing such qualification.

• Graduates in mechanical engineering (50%) showed a relatively higher propensity to further their education at the bachelor’s degree level.

• A larger percentage of females (54%) participated in higher education compared to 29% in the case of the males.

• Most graduates (95%) indicated that career enhancement was the main reason for pursuing higher qualifications.

Written: December 2009