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Shifting Gears in Engineering Skills
Since the publication of SEFI’s last position paper in 2016, the world has undergone significant transformations. We are now in the midst of a fourth industrial revolution, characterised by automation and cyber-physical systems, and an emerging fifth industrial revolution, driven by human-AI interaction, sustainability, and ethical considerations. These rapid advancements necessitate a fresh look at the skills engineers need to succeed. The 2025 edition of SEFI’s position paper on skills addresses the challenges and opportunities presented by this uncertain future.
Union of Skills
In March 2025, the European Commission introduced the Union of Skills, an overarching strategy aimed at enhancing education, training, and lifelong learning across the EU to bolster competitiveness and address evolving labour market needs. SEFI’s 2025 Position Paper on Engineering Skills aligns with the Union of Skills’ objectives by emphasising the development of competencies that integrate knowledge, skills, and attitudes. By focusing on the 3Ts—Technical, Transferable, and Transdisciplinary skills—SEFI aims to prepare engineers who can navigate the complexities of the modern world and contribute effectively to society.
Key Themes of the 2025 Position Paper
The new position paper emphasises several key themes:
- The VUCA World: Today’s world is volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA). Engineers must be adaptable and able to thrive in rapidly changing environments.
- Collaboration and Complexity: Engineering is a collaborative and complex activity. Engineers need to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams and consider socio-technical, societal, environmental, and economic perspectives.
- Beyond Technical Skills: While technical skills remain essential, engineers also need strong transferable skills (e.g., communication, teamwork) and transdisciplinary skills (e.g., ethical decision-making, sustainability).
- Lifelong Learning: Skill development is an ongoing process. Engineers must be committed to continuous learning and professional development throughout their careers.
- Competencies, Not Just Skills: The paper highlights the importance of developing competencies, which integrate skills with knowledge and attitudes.
The 3Ts: Technical, Transferable, and Transdisciplinary Skills
The position paper focuses on the interplay between three key categories of skills:
- Technical: The foundation and application of science, along with mathematical and computational skills.
- Transferable: Cognitive, social, and emotional skills, such as communication, teamwork, and project management.
- Transdisciplinary: Skills related to ethical decision-making, sustainability, and social responsibility.
A Call to Action
SEFI’s 2025 position paper on engineering skills serves as a call to action for the engineering education community. It encourages educators to champion a holistic approach to education prioritising the development of contextual competencies incorporating knowledge, attitudes, and technical, transferable and transdisciplinary skills.
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