This study provides quantifiable and prioritized data concerning employers' perceptions of the skills their workforce should possess and the extent to which Western Dakota Tech (WDT) graduates demonstrate those skills. The primary purpose, then, is to use those data and to inform the improvement of individual programs as needed. The nature of the data collected allows for institution-wide adjustments to program delivery to address generalizable trends concerning common skills across programs. The programs are also grouped into three categories to allow comparisons among the diverse careers of the graduates: hard skills, soft skills, and healthcare skills or working with things, information, or providing personal medical care.

A researcher-designed survey was distributed through the U.S. Postal Service to all known employers of WDT graduates. The survey used five-point Likert scales to determine employer perceptions of the importance of and satisfaction with Western Dakota Tech Graduates preparation in 10 select workforce characteristics. The instrument used uniquely coded return envelopes so that the author was able to extract information concerning the identity of the company and the type of graduate serving as the reference point for the respondent. Overall 43% of the surveys were completed and returned, and the return rates in each of the groups were similar.

Work ethic is most important of all tested characteristics with a mean score of 4.87. Leadership is least important of the ten and scored 3.61 overall. All ten characteristics rate above average. Comparison of importance to satisfaction scores indicates that graduates are under prepared in all characteristics tested. ANOVA tests conducted on importance rating means for all ten characteristics among the three groups of employers indicate F critical values of approximately 3.09 for all. Written and verbal communications and workplace social skills F values are the only characteristics that exceed the F critical indicating an opportunity to create career group adjusted curriculum in those areas.