Competencies of civil engineering graduates: Indian construction professionals' perspective

Universities and institutes have become training centers where talented construction graduates are constantly created. This study aims to determine the skills and competencies construction graduates require to be eligible for entry-level positions on project sites. This research is necessary because it pinpoints the specific knowledge and abilities that undergraduate programmes should emphasize to provide their graduates with the foundation they need to succeed in today’s construction industry. This study utilized a quantitative methodology, and respondents from the Indian construction industry were given a close-ended questionnaire to fill out as a part of the research process. The collected data were analyzed using various statistical methods such as descriptive statistics, mean score and exploratory factor analysis. Findings revealed that tendering and bidding, decision-making, leadership and motivation skills are essential for construction graduates. The study concludes that eight factors, namely managerial skills, site administration skills, business development skills, design management skills, procurement and materials management, risk management skills, planning and scheduling, ethics and professionalism, contain one or more skills and competencies essential for construction graduates. Education in the construction sector should focus on developing these competencies required so that graduates are prepared for careers in both the domestic and international construction industries.