PRE-SERVICE COMPETENCIES AND JOB REQUIRED COMPETENCIES OF AUTOMOTIVE INTERNS

The misalignment between the competencies developed in pre-service training and the requirements of the automotive industry has been a persistent challenge. Despite the crucial role of internships in bridging this gap, limited research exists on the comparative perceptions of student interns and industry partners regarding essential skills. This study utilized descriptive and inferential research methods to assess the pre-service competencies of automotive interns in relation to job-required competencies. Data were gathered through survey questionnaires and interviews with 50 industry personnel from 10 automotive companies and 100 student interns from five state university campuses. Findings revealed significant differences in perceptions between groups, particularly in the emphasis placed on soft skills by industry partners and students. Industry partners from larger companies rated soft skills more highly than their counterparts in smaller establishments, while students valued all competencies as highly important. The results underscore the need for curriculum enhancements to align pre-service training with industry demands.