Shahid Omer, Director of Policy at Universities UK, writes on universities equipping graduates with the skills they need not just for the first job but for their entire workig life, and calls for a sustainable funding model so that these institutions can continue to deliver for Britain
When we reflect on the primary purpose of universities it is to equip individuals - and through them wider society – with the skills our country needs to prosper. When we look ahead to the multiple challenges we face, be that the climate crisis or an aging population, one of the most striking features is the complexity of the challenges. When you ally that with the pace of change that is already emerging through the adoption of generative AI and other forms of automation it is clear that for individuals and societies to succeed and thrive both now and in the future the abilities to think analytically, respond positively to change and commit to learning and relearning throughout life will be essential.
These are exactly the sort of skills that universities are equipping graduates with. We’re not just equipping graduates for their first job, which is important, but for the multiple careers and jobs they will experience throughout their lifetime. Over 80% of graduate recruiters expressed satisfaction with the adaptability, interpersonal skills, team work and problem solving skills of the graduates they recruited (ISE 2023). All of these skills will serve graduates and their employers well over many years.
However, universities, Vice-Chancellors, course leaders and careers staff are also very focused on the first job graduates will get – that initial transition to the labour market - because they know that this is key to universities’ missions - to transform lives and to serve their community. To support this universities can call upon their long track record of providing technical training. Doctors, nurses, engineers, teachers, lawyers, architects, scientists have been taught by UK universities literally in their millions with many universities exclusively focused on technical skills. There are hundreds of professional and subject bodies that universities partner with - all of whom have a strong focus on employers’ needs.
