Defence companies’ perception of skills gap by new Emirati engineering graduates

Abstract

This thesis investigated three issues. Firstly, the relative importance for UAE Defence companies of different skills (ie technical skills, problem-solving skills, communication skills, teamwork skills and project management skills) for their new engineering graduate employees in the first year after, graduation. Secondly the skills that, if improved, could enhance the immediate effectiveness of Emirati engineering graduates during their first year of work at defence companies. Thirdly, what Khalifa university engineering chairs believe is appropriate to address any skill gaps of new engineering graduates identified by defence companies.
The research approach used was a quantitative approach. It consisted of two parts. The first involved surveying 19 defence companies at IDEX 2023, and statistical analysis. The second involved interviewing four Khalifa university engineering chairs with the data analysis method being content analysis.
The findings were that the most valued skills that new employees could have in the defence sector include technical skills, problem solving skills, communication skills, teamwork skills, and project management skills. Each of these skills also include within them the skills that would make the new Emirati engineering employees immediately effective in their workplace such as programming, critical thinking, planning, and scheduling. Additionally, Khalifa university engineering chairs believe it is appropriate to address the skill gaps by introducing an advisory board dedicated to the defence sector for students, modifying engineering curricula to bridge skill gaps, and develop partnerships with students and defence companies with internships and senior design projects.
In order to promote the improvement in the identified skills, this thesis recommends a deeper connection between the company and university, including a direct advisory from companies to the university and opportunities for students to work directly with companies.

Date of Award	2023
Original language	American English
Supervisor	Athol Yates (Supervisor)