Abstract
Engineering graduates’ inability to apply theoretical knowledge in actual practice has become a major challenge in getting them integrated into the workplace and the industry. This inability has also affected the prospect of preparing and developing the future generations of engineering professionals. As a result, both the engineering and construction industries in South Africa are faced with the difficulty of sourcing the relevant engineering workforce. Furthermore engineering graduates cannot be successful in the industry without the relevant competency. Mentoring has been established as a tool for personal and professional development. This study explores mentoring benefits and how mentoring can be utilised to build practical skills needed by the engineering graduates for the purpose of integration and establishment in the industry. Existing engineering professionals should endeavour to engage in mentoring in order to bridge the skills gap between them and the engineering graduates by creating opportunities for them to access practical skills. This study used a qualitative research methodology. Interviews were conducted with seven engineering, construction and academic professionals who perceived mentoring as one of the vital tools in getting the graduates competent. Based on the analysis of data collected during a semi-structured interview with the participants, it was evident that participants viewed mentoring as a vital tool in equipping graduates with the relevant skills for the workplace and the industry. The implication of this study is that engineering graduates will acknowledge the significance of mentoring in exposing them to experiential learning, and organisations will be encouraged to support mentoring in generating competent human resources.
M.Phil. (Engineering Management)