Abstract

The current structures and dynamics of organisations require a steady flow of information and teamwork. Therefore, higher education institutions have implemented programmes to develop soft skills in their students. It is necessary to assess whether there is compatibility between the teamwork skills possessed by professionals trained in the various institutions of higher education with related attitudes to teamwork that companies require for various positions. This article seeks to answer the following questions: What does teamwork competence in engineering mean? Does this competence improve the training of undergraduate students? Are there differences between what academics and students expect and do when they are asked to work as a team? Interviews were conducted with professionals responsible for the selection of engineers in the labour market. Two surveys were designed, implemented and conducted with academics and students. It was found that there were differences between what was required by professors and what was executed by students.