Practitioners' perceptions for WIU graduate level engineering technology skills

The purpose of this study was to investigate the professional skills and experiences needed by Western Illinois University (WIU) engineering technology graduates for professional success. The study consisted of a mailed survey with follow-up of Illinois manufacturing firms employing engineering technology graduates from WIU. Industry representatives from each company were divided into three groups, CEO's or personnel managers, middle managers/salaried employees, and production employees. A survey instrument utilizing Likert-type scales was completed by each respondent and returned in the coded envelope to ensure complete confidentiality.;The results from this study indicate the three groups representing industry are in agreement regarding the categories of technology related skills, non-technology related skills, and final project assessment tools. A program in engineering technology was recommended as most important to the success of new manufacturing engineers. Interpretation of engineering drawings and specifications, quality assurance/process quality control, and integration of computer-aided design and manufacturing were rated highest among the technology skills category. Among the non-technology skills, basic computing skills and the ability to utilize technology to solve problems were the highest ranked items. Work ethic and team membership also ranked high among the non-technology skills. With regard to final project assessment tools, the industrial internship and the industrial project were both rated high.;As a result of this study, the following are recommended (a) the Masters Degree in Engineering Technology should remain an option for WIU students based upon responses of practitioners at all levels within industry, (b) WIU should establish and maintain contacts within industry to form partnerships, including an advisory committee to strengthen communication between the groups, and (c) WIU should provide a curriculum that focuses on technology skills as well as non technology skills.