Challenges and Coping Strategies of Built Environment Students During Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES): Perspective from Nigeria

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.

KEYWORDS:

• Built environment students
• Nigeria
• SIWES, Universities

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).