Assessing the Relationship between Skills Acquisition and Application on the Job by Pioneer Graduates of Building and Construction Department, Umutara Polytechnic, Rwanda

Abstract

University education is important as it equips an individual with skills that are necessary to perform certain tasks once employed or self employed, consequently, contributing to the realization of visions in developing countries like Rwanda. Information from graduates of a particular program is vital in informing decision makers on necessary changes in curriculum for improved skills delivery. The aim of the study was to ascertain the skills graduates were using in performing construction related jobs by the end of six months after graduation with the following as specific objectives: To identify which skill they acquired at the University; to identify which skill was useful to them in the first job they got. The study involved administering questionnaires to pioneer graduates in Building and Construction Technology of Umutara Polytechnic just after finishing studies and six months after graduation. The results showed that courses enjoyed were significantly correlated (α=0.01) with the courses where many things were learnt and related to skills thought to be useful after graduation at α=0.10. There was no significant relationship between courses where more things were learnt and the skills thought would be useful after graduation. Design was ranked top on all the issues. Further research on the courses graduates are using in their work place one year after graduation is recommended.