Business welcomes latest results from graduate employment and employer satisfaction survey

An improvement in employment outcomes as well as an increase in employer satisfaction with higher education graduates shown in the latest national survey have been welcomed by the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

The Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching’s (QILT) Employer Satisfaction and Graduate Outcomes Surveys make it clear that improved employment conditions are making it easier for graduates to secure work, according to Australian Chamber CEO, James Pearson.

“It is particularly pleasing to see the lift in employer satisfaction with employability and foundation skills of graduates as these were areas where business was raising concern previously,” Mr Pearson said.

“There has been considerable effort by university and employer groups working together to encourage more opportunities for students to undertake structured work placements and activities to provide the necessary experience in real world situations.

“This effort, and that of the higher education institutions who are doing more to connect their students to workplaces, is paying off.”

Mr Pearson said that despite the overall improvement in job outcomes, the big message for students looking to finalise their course selection is to concentrate on the job market that their course options are aiming at.

“Although many students have not yet settled on a career, it is very important that they make themselves aware that there are significant differences in job outcomes across study disciplines,” Mr Pearson said.

With an average of 73% of graduates across all study areas who are in full time work four months after they finish their studies, the courses that are well below that average include creative arts, communications, humanities & social sciences, and psychology.

“Although it was pleasing to see Science and Mathematics graduates experience a significant improvement in job outcomes, at 65% they are still well below the average as well,” Mr Pearson said.

“That’s why it is so important for all would-be higher education students to do their homework first, comparing not just higher education courses, but also other important options such as apprenticeships.

“A key priority for business is ensuring that people in the job market are as fully informed as possible.

“These latest surveys add to the evidence available and students should take advantage of them.”

Job and salary outcomes can be compared at: www.qilt.edu.au

Further detail regarding the ESS survey can be found at: https://www.qilt.edu.au/about-this-site/employer-satisfaction

The ESS is the first national survey that directly links the experiences of graduates to the views of their direct supervisors. The ESS is undertaken on a systematic basis by asking employed graduates who participated in the Graduate Outcomes Survey (GOS) four months after graduation to provide the contact details of their supervisor for follow up.

The Australian Chamber is Australia’s largest network of employers, speaking for over 300,000 businesses employing millions of Australians in every sector of the economy, in every corner of Australia.