PLC Graduates rated as highly as University Graduates new study finds.

Satisfaction levels with the quality of higher education graduates and further education and training graduates are virtually neck-and-neck, a new report has found.  Graduates from apprenticeships and Post-Leaving Cert (PLC) courses are rated as highly as graduates from universities and third-level colleges, according to a major new study.

The findings are contained in a survey of more than 700 employers carried out last year by education authorities, which is due to be published soon.

When figures in the survey are broken down, employers rate further education graduates slightly higher than college graduates in areas such as team-working, commercial awareness and entrepreneurial skills.

However, multinational firms based in Ireland are least satisfied over the standard of foreign languages. Satisfaction rates are also relatively low for graduates’ entrepreneurial skills.

Employers are most satisfied with graduates’ computers skills; their ability to work effectively with others; verbal communication; numeracy; and written skills.

In terms of personal attributes, employers are most likely to rate highly students’ work ethic; reliability; positive attitudes and ethical and social awareness. They were slightly less likely to rate their ability to cope with pressure.

The report also examines what skills are likely to be in demand among employers over the coming years.

Companies say they are likely to need more graduates with computer literacy, management and engineering skills in the next couple of years.

At further education level, companies say computer literacy will also be in demand, as will demand for apprentices, such as carpenters, plasterers, mechanics, plumber, electricians. Skills in business/project management, and marketing/sales will also be sought after.

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/education/employers-rate-further-education-graduates-as-highly-as-college-graduates-1.3756679?mode=amp