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In this study a survey with a questionnaire was used to track the learning situation and core competencies of students in electrical engineering and computer science at the University of Science and Technology. A determination of areas that need to be strengthened is used as a reference in the cultivation of core competency in higher education.

A total of 320 junior students in electrical engineering and computer science were surveyed and given questionnaires. A total of 219 valid questionnaires were collected for a paired sample t-test, to find and compare changes in core competencies of the group over a period of three years.

Higher education institutions are presently more inclined to competency-oriented education, training and learning. This establishes good relevant practices, enhances core competencies in students and improves their chances of satisfactory future employment. In this study it was found that the general core competencies of students were better than their professional core competencies, and the self-reported core competencies of freshman students were better than those of the junior students. The results showed that core competencies did not grow with the years. This result is most likely due to a gain of knowledge which makes them more able to understand their own shortcomings.

Most studies investigating the core competencies of higher education students are cross-sectional studies. This study follows students over a period of three years and provides the results of a longitudinal survey of a group of students' core competencies.

This study used the industry-oriented capstone course to increase the employability of electrical engineering and computer science (EECS) students in technological university.

In this study, EECS students were selected and divided into groups, and the non-equivalent pretest–posttest quasi-experimental research method was adopted.

Industry-oriented capstone courses can improve students' employability, especially general ability, behaviour and attitude.

The results of this study and many other studies show that capstone courses are helpful for the soft skills of students.

This study provides evidence that industry-oriented capstone courses can improve EECS students' employability.