The 2021 Employer Satisfaction Survey (ESS) – published today by Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching – finds 85.3 per cent of direct supervisors are satisfied with their new graduate employees, up from 84.7 per cent in 2020 and the highest since the survey began in 2016.

Universities Australia’s Chief Executive Catriona Jackson said the result is a testament to the hard work of both students and universities.

“This is a truly outstanding result and demonstrates how, even in the middle of a global pandemic, universities are producing graduates who are work-ready, highly employable and able to hit the ground running in the workplace.”

“It’s a powerful endorsement from direct supervisors in the workplace, who see a graduate’s skills in action first-hand, that Australia’s universities are preparing students to succeed in the world of work,” she said.

More than eight out of ten graduates (84.6 per cent) and nine out of ten supervisors (92.1 per cent) thought the university qualification prepared the graduates for their current jobs.

Ms Jackson said: “The survey draws a strong connection between skills and knowledge acquired by university students and the requirements of their jobs after graduation.”

“The survey results also illustrate the resilience of students and staff. Universities have worked hard to support students during one of the toughest learning environments we’ve ever seen.”

“Universities have focused on ensuring the next generation of graduates is equipped to contribute to Australia’s post-COVID economic recovery,” Ms Jackson said.

The employer satisfaction survey also found:

• 93.5 per cent satisfaction with foundation skills – general literacy, numeracy and communication skills and the ability to investigate and integrate knowledge.
• 90.3 per cent satisfaction with adaptive skills – the ability to adapt and apply skills/knowledge and work independently.
• 89.3 per cent satisfaction with collaborative skills – teamwork and interpersonal skills.
• 93.7 per cent satisfaction with technical skills – application of professional and technical knowledge and standards.
• 86.6 per cent satisfaction with employability skills – the ability to perform and innovate in the workplace.