Training engineering students for the world of work: a case study

Several studies have shown a certain lack of connection between the abilities of new graduated engineers and those abilities really claimed by companies. Graduates demand a more work-oriented education, which trains them in applying technical and theoretical concepts to real case studies, under pressure working, important decisions making or team leading. This article is focused on an innovative teaching methodology developed at the School of Engineering of University of Cádiz (UCA), which helps to solve these problems contextualizing theoretical concepts from real engineering problems and projects. In this way, students learn how to link different subject contents while solving real-life issues and developing professional skills required for labour market.