Challenges and Coping Strategies of Built Environment Students During Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES): Perspective from Nigeria
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Date
2023
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International Journal of Construction Education and Research
Abstract
Deficiencies associated with the proficiency of many Nigerian Built
Environment graduates are a source of concern for the nation and
academic community. A major factor responsible for the dysfunction
are the challenges facing undergraduate students during the Students
Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES). The purpose of this study
is to investigate major challenges confronting students during SIWES
and further propose measures to mitigate the challenges. Data was
collected using quantitative research methods from 159 undergraduate students spread across six departments of the built environment.
The findings reveal that the commitment of instructors, duration of the
program, inadequate training resources, menial works allocated to
students, and uncomfortable work environment were major challenges confronting the students during SIWES. The study found the
need for routine stakeholders’ engagement meetings, reevaluation of
the program duration, synchronization of policies and regulations,
simplified registration and documentation, timely placement of students in relevant organizations, and gender parity. The Industrial
Training Fund (ITF), institutions, and employers could consider findings from this study as a basis to improve the performance of SIWES.