IMPACT OF STUDENT INDUSTRIAL WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME ON TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT OF BUSINESS EDUCATION STUDENTS IN PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES IN ANAMBRA STATE

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the perceived impact of the Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) on the skill development of business education students in public universities in Anambra State, Nigeria. Three research questions guided the study, and a descriptive survey research design was adopted, with six null hypotheses tested at a significance level of 0.05. The population comprised 80 business education students from two public universities: Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam. The questionnaire was used as the data collection instrument, validated by three experts. Data analysis involved calculating means and standard deviations. Findings indicated that most business education students perceived an impact on their technical skills due to SIWES. These enhanced technical skills included knowledge in handling tools and equipment, developing abilities, and skills necessary for proficiency in their profession, among others. Challenges identified included wrong placement of SIWES, lack of proper monitoring by industry-based supervisors, and inadequacy of industries, among others. Recommendations included implementing better placement strategies, ensuring adequate monitoring of students and supervisors during industrial attachment, and allowing students access to machinery and equipment with proper guidance.