Competency Mapping to assess the Employability Readiness of Engineering Students in the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)

Abstract

The employability of engineering graduates has emerged as a critical concern in the evolving job market, necessitating higher education institutions (HEIs) to adopt competency mapping strategies to enhance student preparedness. This study evaluates the impact of competency mapping on career preparedness and professional growth among engineering students, along with the influence of demographic factors such as age & gender on competency levels. A mixed-method research approach was employed, involving a survey of 200 engineering students from various HEIs in the Delhi NCR region. Statistical analyses, including ANOVA as well as regression models, were conducted to determine the significance of competency mapping in employability readiness. Findings reveal a significant positive correlation between competency mapping & career preparedness (R² = 0.275, p < .001) and professional growth (R² = 0.570, p < .001). Gender-based differences in competency levels were observed, with male students exhibiting slightly higher scores than females (p = .019). Age also influenced competency levels, with younger students (18-20 years) demonstrating the highest competency scores (p = .038). These results suggest that competency mapping plays a crucial role in equipping engineering students with the skills required for industry demands. The study underscores the need for HEIs to integrate structured competency frameworks into curricula, ensuring a balance between technical and soft skills. Future research should explore longitudinal impacts of competency mapping and the role of emerging technologies in competency-based learning.