Preferred Competencies for Engineering Graduates to Meet Manufacturing Industry Needs

Abstract

The rapid evolution of modern manufacturing, driven by Industry 4.0 and 5.0, has created a significant disconnect between the skills of engineering graduates and the advanced requirements of the industrial sector. This study investigates the preferred engineering competencies within the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) in Rosario, Cavite, to provide a strategic roadmap for curriculum alignment. Employing a quantitative descriptive and comparative survey design, data were collected from 128 professionals across diverse roles and subsectors, with the electronics and semiconductor industry (42.19%) and very large enterprises (37.50%) representing the largest segments.

Findings reveal a high level of effectiveness in the utilization of engineers for both operational efficiency (M = 3.42) and problem-solving (M = 3.62), particularly in active process improvement and critical thinking. Among core competencies, Process Optimization & Lean Manufacturing (M = 3.75) and Quality Control & Assurance (M = 3.66) were identified as the most critical, alongside rising valuation for data analytics, IIoT, and sustainable practices. Notably, a comparative analysis using One-Way ANOVA confirmed that there are no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) in competency valuation across medium, large, and very large companies, suggesting a universal industry standard for engineering talent.

To bridge the skills gap, respondents emphasized the integration of an entrepreneurial mindset (M = 3.76), hands-on laboratory work, and Industry 4.0 concepts into educational curricula. The study concludes that while foundational principles remain the bedrock of engineering, educational institutions must prioritize applied, digitally-driven skills and experiential learning to foster a robust talent pipeline capable of sustaining global competitiveness.