The document discusses the skills and preparedness of environmental science graduates for work. It questions whether universities provide graduates with the necessary skills employers require, such as technical competencies, relational skills, and transformational leadership. The document identifies challenges in university curriculum, course materials, staff capacity, and business models. It proposes solutions to improve graduate skills and relevance, including enabling curriculum innovation, investing in staff development, and facilitating collaboration between universities and employers.

1. Are our Science Graduates Ready
for Work?
An Environmental Perspective with
Proposals for Action
Dr Eureta Rosenberg Eureta@greenmatter.co.za

2. Are Environmental Science Graduates Ready for Work?
Dr Eureta Rosenberg Eureta@greenmatter.co.za
Yes and No

3. What is the impact on productivity & innovation?
Dr Eureta Rosenberg Eureta@greenmatter.co.za
Water
Services
Laboratory Testing
Water licensing
Service delivery
Policy into New
Practice
Job Creation

4. What Do Employers Need from Graduates?
Dr Eureta Rosenberg Eureta@greenmatter.co.za
Skills
Technical competencies
(with depth & breadth)
Relational
competencies
Transformational
leadership
Combination
skills

5. Do Universities Provide These Skills?
Dr Eureta Rosenberg Eureta@greenmatter.co.za
Yes and No

6. What Are The Challenges?
Dr Eureta Rosenberg Eureta@greenmatter.co.za
Curriculum
Review
Course
Materials
Staff
Capacity
Business
Model &
Performance
Metrics
Full
Access

7. What can be done to improve graduate skills quality and relevance?
Dr Eureta Rosenberg Eureta@greenmatter.co.za
Provide Full Access
Enable Curriculum Innovation
Invest in Staff Capacity Building
Facilitate inter-institutional interaction
• Invest more in teaching and learning
• Provide career & study guidance for university students
• Research new, ‘green’ & latent work opportunities
• Prepare students for new careers
• Change approach if a field transforms profoundly
• Collaborate on local textbooks & e-resources
• Provide for professional development
• Develop knowledge of field, subject, pedagogy
• Reward staff development that benefits students
• Regular forums for HEIs & HEIs + Employers
• Provide incentives for collaboration
• Improve mechanisms for coordination

8. Thank You
For more information on GreenMatter and its
higher education consultations, please visit
www.greenmatter.co.za
Dr Eureta Rosenberg Eureta@greenmatter.co.za