Science, technology, research, engineering, arts and mathematics (STREAM) graduates are being urged to develop their soft skills in order to be workplace ready.
According to reports, only 43 per cent of employers say graduates are prepared for the workplace after leaving school.
This was one of the findings of the Shell STREAM report, which was compiled in partnership with the National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (Niherst).
Senior specialist Ryane Rollocks presented the study results to secondary school students at the Shell STREAM workforce conference at the Hilton Trinidad, on March 7.
The employment of STREAM graduates had a significant impact on innovation, business growth and competitiveness in the workplace, the report said.
It said 32 per cent of graduates were earning less than $5,000 per month and four per cent were earning $15,000 and over, with the majority (55 per cent) earning between $5,000 and $9,999.
It said local STREAM salaries were lower than global benchmarks.
Rollocks said the report was done to examine the employment patterns of STREAM graduates, identify industry needs, workforce challenges, explore career pathways, job market trends and recommend actionable ways to strengthen education and employment in TT.
The four main fields surveyed were engineering, food and agriculture, medical sciences and science and technology.
"Graduates suffered from a shortage of available jobs and a lack of relevant experience for the world of work. The majority of medical graduates said their jobs were related to their field of study, but this was not the case for all our graduates. In the fields of science and technology and food and agriculture, there was a lower alignment between their field of study and their curriculum."
She said the report shows there was lesser participation in the industry by males, children whose parents had a lower level of educational status and people from rural areas.
Rollocks said 73 per cent of STREAM graduates found work after graduation.
She said the most difficult jobs to fill were mechanical engineers, graphic designers, information and communications technology (ICT) personnel, agriculturalists, medical specialists, laboratory technicians and science teachers.
She said students preparing for STREAM careers should gain hands-on experience through internships and apprenticeships, stay updated with emerging technologies, network with industry professionals and participate in STREAM competitions and workshops.
STREAM panellist: "Be open to change."
At the conference, the students participated in an interactive panel with Shell learning advisor Kathy Ann Baynes, Niherst acting president Julie David, Education Ministry curriculum division director Anna Singh, entrepreneur and co-founder of Tech Beach Retreat Ltd Kyle Maloney and OJT deputy director Curtis Daniel.
Daniel told the students that certifications were not enough when entering the workforce.
"We have individuals who come out of school with certifica
