On Monday, two reports were published by BIS and HEFCE: the Wakeham review of STEM degree provision and graduate employability and the Shadbolt review of computer sciences degree accreditation and graduate employability.
The review led by Sir William Wakeham looks at the current state of employment among STEM graduates and the role of accreditation of courses. Dominant themes within the employability discourse include the skills requirements of employers, how STEM graduates’ skills and knowledge relate to labour market demand, and how existing accreditation systems support this.
Source: BIS
The review undertaken by Sir Nigel Shadbolt looks at the accreditation arrangements for computer science degrees to ensure that they continue to be fit for the future. Dominant themes include the purpose and role of accreditation, employment outcomes of computer science graduates, and how the HE system can support the skills requirements of employers and improve graduate employability.
Source: BIS
Both reviews promote the need for increased engagement and collaboration between HEIs and industry. The reviews also suggest that students themselves need to become more proactive with their careers at an early stage, developing skills and exploring wider opportunities.