Survey of Engineering Graduates

This tracer study focused on Trinidad and Tobago nationals who graduated from the Faculty of Engineering, The University of the West Indies (UWI), over the period 1995-1999. The study was undertaken to assess the current status of the stock of engineers who graduated from the institution over this five (5) year period.

Summary of Main Findings

Data Highlights
  • The total number of Trinidad and Tobago nationals who graduated from the Faculty of Engineering, UWI, over the period 1995-1999 was 638, of which 482 of 75% were males and 156 or 25% females. The ratio of male to female graduates was 3:1.
  • Of the population of graduates (638) surveyed, 411 or 64% responded, of which 317 (77%) were males and 94 (23%) were females, also representing a ratio of 3 males to 1 female.
  • By area of specialisation, males out-numbered their female counterparts significantly in the areas of Mechanical Engineering (9:1) and in each of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Surveying (4:1). A considerably smaller gender disparity, however, was observed in Chemical and Process, Civil and Industrial Engineering (2:1).
  • A significant percentage of the engineers (86%) was between 20-29 years old. This suggests that most engineers, both male and female, read for their first degree soon after their A'Level examination.
  • Almost all of the engineers (97%) who responded to the survey was employed as at 15th January, 2001. However, only 2% were self-employed.
  • The most popular areas of specialisation among the engineers were Mechanical and Electrical and Computer Engineering.
  • Based on the number of jobs held, employment opportunities were more prevalent in the areas of Mechanical, Electrical and Computer, and Chemical and Process Engineering.
  • A substantial percentage (70% and over) of the engineers obtained employment within the same year of graduation.
  • The majority of graduates in Civil Engineering (52%), Industrial Engineering (41%), and Electrical and Computer Engineering (30%) earned a higher monthly income ($4000-$5999) in their first job, compared with their counterparts in the other areas of specialisation.
  • The income distribution, by area of specialisation, was similar for both male and female engineers.
  • Of the engineers who responded to the survey, 293 (71%) obtained their first job in the Private Enterprises sector. Further, over 50% of the engineers in each area of specialisation were employed in this sector.
  • Of the response from the 411 engineers who graduated with a first degree between 1995-1999, only 5% (22) obtained post-graduate qualifications. By field of study, 14 engineers or 64% obtained a master's level qualification in engineering while 5 or 23% received a similar qualification in business.
  • As at 15th January, 2001, 134 engineers (33%) were pursuing a master's level qualification mainly in the in the field of engineering.