BEYOND TECHNICAL COMPETENCE: ALIGNING OBE AND VBE FOR FUTURE-READY ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION

Abstract

The development of holistic, future-ready graduates remains a key priority in higher education, particularly in engineering and technology, where technical proficiency alone is insufficient. This study examines the alignment of Outcome-Based Education (OBE) and Value-Based Education (VBE) at the University as a practical pathway for integrating cognitive, technical, ethical and humanistic dimensions within existing curricula. OBE serves as the structural driver for learning outcomes, teaching strategies and assessment, while VBE provides the ethical overlay through values such as dignity, justice, integrity, gratitude, resilience and altruism. Four Civil Engineering Technology courses encompassing field-related work scope, were reviewed based on their alignment with Programme Learning Outcomes. Findings show that values can be embedded explicitly through structured activities and reflection, and implicitly through institutional culture, mentorship and learning environments. This alignment strengthens technical competence with ethical reasoning, social responsibility and professional accountability. The OBE-VBE framework offers a replicable model for nurturing technically skilled, employable, morally grounded and socially aware graduates.