It’s in the Genes: Harnessing Employability DNA as the Unit Building Blocks of Sustainable Curricula

Severn, Alexandra (2022) It’s in the Genes: Harnessing Employability DNA as the Unit Building Blocks of Sustainable Curricula. In: European Conference on the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (EUROSoTL), 15 June 2022 - 17 June 2022, Manchester.

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Abstract

There is a well-documented UK digital skills gap that has deepened due to Covid-19 with digital marketing employers seeking graduates with specific tangible digital marketing knowledge and skills, in addition to relevant soft skills. The IAB’S 2020 Digital Skills Gap Report explains 88% of employers struggle to find qualified individuals with up-to-date digital marketing skills; 65% of those surveyed explained that most new graduates are not ready to take up careers in the digital marketing sector. Moreover, the CIM’s latest Digital Marketing Skills Benchmark report (2022) indicates that digital marketing skills have declined since their previous benchmark in 2020. This paper reflects on the creation of a DNA tool which aims to enable educators in HE to audit their units in light of best practice, knowledge, skills and pedagogical approaches needed to nurture work-ready graduates. Key reflections highlight current gaps at varying levels and action planning to address sustainable curricula for employability.