Agreed.
Those skills come from different types of experiences. There are the academic courses per se, but then there are the other experiences that come with the co-op programs, for instance, that combine study with work placement and experience on the job. Some universities really have a big emphasis on co-op programs. The Université de Sherbrooke and Waterloo are examples of institutions that focus on providing experience during the years of study. Summer jobs that are relevant to the field of study would be another way.
What we hear from colleagues and from our discussions with the deans of engineering, for instance, is that often the companies that want to hire a bachelor's engineer require experience, five years worth of experience. How can a brand new graduate develop five years of experience? There's a bit of a disconnect between the expectations of the employers and what the system can provide.