Utah's college grads often lacking 'durable skills' to succeed in industry, claims study

SALT LAKE CITY — An advanced manufacturing employer said recent graduates from Utah's colleges and universities aren't ready.

"They can't handle the stress … because they avoid the stressful situations. How do we pressure them into more stressful situations during school so they are ready for the workforce?"

A health care employer said, "The biggest gap we have seen is ... communication failures like social communication, face-to-face communication, talking, working in teams."

Both statements from representatives of high-demand industries were collected during a statewide study commissioned by the Utah System of Higher Education, the results of which were released this week.

Conducted by the Cicero Group, the study was designed to glean insights into what employers expect from Utah's college graduates — while also evaluating graduates' preparedness as they begin careers in industries such as health care, financial services, aerospace, computer sciences, energy and construction.

For college presidents and other higher education administrators, the data and actionable recommendations gleaned from the study couldn't be more pertinent.

With the 2025 Legislative Session fast approaching, Utah lawmakers are calling for sharper workforce alignment between Utah higher education and industry.

Last month, for example, Utah Senate President Stuart Adams spoke enthusiastically with the Deseret News about embedding more apprentice programs into Utah's public colleges — empowering students with work experience that may not be acquired in traditional classroom courses.

Utah's industries are evolving — and the state's higher education institutions must keep pace, said Utah Commissioner of Higher Education Geoff Landward. "Through collaboration with industry leaders, we can build stronger pathways that lead to workforce success for our graduates."

Cicero interviewed and surveyed hundreds of Utah employers to gauge general graduate readiness.

The study concluded that Utah industries are "generally pleased" with the preparedness of recent graduates in Utah — while identifying several key takeaways that signal improvement opportunities.

Graduates lack durable skills

The study concluded that many Utah employers are facing challenges in training and working alongside today's Utah graduates due to a scarcity of "durable skills" — interpersonal capabilities such as problem-solving, critical thinking, resilience and flexibility.

Several respondents said graduates often arrive at the workplace with gaps in essential durable skills such as stress management, conflict management and time management.

More than 100 respondents identified communication skills as a desired "stand-out" skill.

While industry respondents largely agree that higher ed must teach durable skills to graduates, they acknowledged that employers share equal responsibility in developing such skills in their recent hires.

"Critical thinking and problem-solving comes from experience … It comes with training — and we train the ability to problem solve," said a respondent who works in healthcare.

While Utah employers from industries such as finance and energy are generally satisfied with the technical skills of recent graduates, other high-tech fields such as advanced manufacturing and aerospace report Utah graduates possessing outdated skills.

"There is a big disconnect in what they are teaching at schools and what we need," noted an advanced manufacturing employer. "The technology is moving so fast, so we have to start all over again teaching them. The technology is two to three years behind."

The study recommends increased collaboration between industry and schools to identify and remedy technical skill gaps. Non-traditional educational tools such as micro-credentials and certificates can also empower graduates with added technical depth.

"(It would help to) provide certification programs in areas like food safety, event management and hospital management, which can provide students with additional credentials that are valued in the hospitality industry," wrote a survey respondent from the hospitality industry.

Boosting industry collaboration on Utah college campuses

Many survey respondents are interested in expanding partnerships with Utah colleges and universities. They're hoping to have an increased campus voice.

Industry/education collaborations might include co-developed curricula and increased industry representation on advisory boards.

"The ways I'd like to see partnerships improved is with involvement in the curriculum and classroom, so graduates can better meet the needs and expectations of employers," said a respondent from the healthcare industry.

Work-based learning leads to success

Utah industries value a college education — but they prioritize experience.

The majority of study participants identify experience to be a "key differentiator" in hiring, signifying the importance of work-based learning.

"It is obvious to see the difference between graduates with experience versus without," observed an employer in computer sciences.

But the workforce alignment study also reveals that Utah industries often lack work-based learning resources. That marks an opportunity for higher education to take the lead in developing and promoting work-based programs such as internships and apprenticeships.

Workforce development programs such as Custom Fit — a decades-old partnership between participating Utah higher ed institutions, the Utah Legislature and local businesses — is an example of a work-based learning program that's working, the study noted.

The Utah System of Higher Education reported that its office and its institutions are already integrating study feedback by utilizing innovative educational tools and expanding work-based learning opportunities.

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