DESIGN
STEM SPOTLIGHT
What this highlights As we emerge from almost a two-year stint of being indoors and limited face-to-face interactions, many students who are now transitioning into the working world have found it profoundly harder than the generations before them. Limited job opportunities, disrupted career plans, delayed career progression, and the transition to a new method of digital work are all immediate concerns. Other problems such as mental health impacts and interpersonal skill gaps are also prominent. Despite these challenges, graduates and apprentices have demonstrated resilience and adaptability. Many have been able to embrace online learning, upskill themselves, and move into remote work opportunities to enhance their skills and increase employability. The pandemic has worked to emphasise the importance of resilience, flexibility, and the ability to navigate uncertain circumstances for students entering the job market. It is now up to the employers to help with these challenges and the transition into this new world of work.
regard to career development, wellbeing, and performance. This not only improves the working environment for junior staff but also opens the doors for employees to pursue formal career coaching qualifications. Deloitte has formulated a new induction programme for graduates and apprentices entering the business to help plug the skills gap created by the pandemic. This programme includes training on building professional networks, teamwork, and presenting both online and in person. Beyond the skills concerns, the wellbeing of new joiners is also a priority for these companies, with additional training programmes surrounding “mental resilience, overcoming adversity, and the importance of mindset,” says Henry. Given the uptick in work-related stress since the pandemic, such a programme is crucial in enabling a smooth transition from the student world to the working world. The firm is also encouraging younger staff to integrate with colleagues, to learn through observation and collaboration with more experienced members of the company.
Student Circuit, a free online learning platform and engineering community for those undertaking further education within the world of electronic and electrical engineering, is proud to sponsor ESD’s STEM column. At the heart of Student Circuit is the drive to inspire and encourage the next generation of engineers, achieved by encouraging students to participate in online quizzes, share project ideas, write about topics that interest them, and read
the latest industry news.
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