SIWES, SWEP, or IT: All Activities From School to Field

In polytechnics, colleges of technology, colleges of education, colleges of agriculture, and innovation enterprise institutions, you'll come across the SIWES usually in your year 1 (ND1/NID 1). After this, you may be required to partake in industrial training (IT) after completing your ND2, which is another requirement if you must proceed to the second phase of polytechnic/monotechnic education (i.e., HND). In universities, depending on the duration of the course and management policy, you're likely to become aware of the scheme when you reach 300, 400, or 500 levels.

Once it's time, there are preparatory activities required of schools and prospective trainees. This marks the beginning of the scheme and extends to the actual training and ends with after-training activities. As a student, you may want to know what is scheduled for you before, during, and after your SIWES, SWEP, IT, or internship. That's what this article is about.

It's important to note that there are no uniform activities scheduled by schools. It may vary, especially among universities, polytechnics, colleges, and other institutions. However, such activities usually aim at achieving the same results.

Before-Training Activities

As you're about to set for SIWES, your school has the duty to get you ready for what is to come. Usually through an orientation/awareness program, the management will inform prospective trainees of the importance of participating in the training. Information such as where and how to get the required documents and prospective employers will be shared during the course. 

1. Registration of students going for the program: This will involve arrangements by the school management where the students will be informed of the date they'll be going for SIWES. Here, too, students might be required to register with assigned officials or coordinators. The registration activities may include the submission of students' bank account details to their school’s SIWES Coordinators.
2. Conduct of orientation program: Some institutions will conduct SIWES orientation programs before the starting date. This is where they will be prepared with the objectives of their training and what's required of them during the scheme, how to fill their logbooks, prepare reports, and so on. For example, the Federal College of Education Okene includes this activity as part of its pre-SIWES orientation.
3. Distribution and Return of Commencement Form: Students will be given complete student commencement attachment forms (SCAF) and/or scouting/introductory letters. These will be taken to their proposed organization firms or businesses for endorsement. After this, they are taken back to the school for submission and onward submission to ITF.
4. Distribution of Training Documents: In most cases, students will be given logbooks for recording their daily activities during the training and any other supporting documents, SCAF, and Form 8. More on this shortly.
5. Preparation and distribution of supervision rosters to academic staff: Many institutions include one- or two-time visit students based on the placement. This roster will detail the names of the assigned lecturer or staff and students attached to it and possibly the time to visit students.

Recommended: I Didn't Do SIWES, How Can I Fill Logbook/Form-8?

During-SIWES Activities

This is the center point of attention for your training. During the SIWES, SWEP, IT, and internship, there are activities required of each participant (trainee), industry-based supervisor, and institution-visiting supervisor. Details below:

1. Punctuality: Be regular and punctual at respective places of attachment. The industry-based supervisor is expected to enforce discipline and ensure punctuality and good conduct of the trainee.
2. Stability with the company: Avoid changing the place of attachment except on special consideration by your school management or SIWES authority.
3. Obedience: Obey constituted authorities and adhere strictly to all rules and regulations of the organization where they are attached.
4. Record Keeping: Record all training activities and other assignments in the logbook and complete ITF Form-8 to ensure proper assessment. The industry-based supervisor is required to go through the logbook every week to authenticate the student’s report.
5. Responsibility: Be diligent, honest, conscientious, and take pride in the protection of employers’ properties throughout the attachment period.

Recommended: How to Write Acceptable SIWES Reports - Nigeria Format

After-SIWES Activities

As you're rounding off your industrial assignment, there are a few activities required of you and your attached company, especially.

1. Filling and Submission of ITF Form-8: Complete ITF Form-8 to ensure proper assessment. This is usually handled personally by the trainee. In other words, after filling out this form, you're taking it to your state or assigned ITF office for submission.
2. Verification of Logbook by ITF: Your institution's SIWES Unit will invite the ITF Area Office to come and verify/vet the logbooks submitted by the Departments in the following weeks. The Unit will also arrange to host the ITF officials in terms of workstations and other working materials.
3. Report and Presentation: Based on the logbook assessment, and/or report and presentation by the training institutions, you will be graded. The grading system is not uniform among institutions; the better you perform during and after SIWES activities will determine your final score.

The transition from academic to practical learning, evident in SIWES, SWEP, or IT programs, is required for students across various institutions. Beginning with preparatory activities and extending through training to post-training assessments, these programs bridge the gap between theory and practice. Management plays a vital role in guiding students through orientation, documentation, and supervision. Though processes may vary, the overarching aim remains consistent: to equip students with practical skills and professional conduct essential for their future careers.

Sources:

1. Federal College of Education, Okene. (n.d.). Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES). Retrieved from https://fceokene.edu.ng/students-industrial-work-experience-scheme-siwes/
2. Ekiti State University (EKSU). (n.d.). Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES). Retrieved from https://eksu.edu.ng/siwes/
3. Nigerian Army University Biu. (n.d.). SIWES Activities. Retrieved from https://naub.edu.ng/siwes-activities/
4. Lagos State University. (n.d.). ITF - SIWES Report Sheet [PDF document]. Retrieved from https://lasu.edu.ng/home/downloadables/ITF%20-SIWES%20Report%20Sheet_1584379696.pdf

NEED a guide, update, or answer on something? You can spend just #1000 to get professional answers and guides. Click here to request Mr. Techie's INSTANT REPLY. 

HELP SOMEONE:  People would appreciate it if you could just share this post with them on Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, etc. Use the share icons below for your convenience.

Best Related Posts

1. How Many Years Are Courses in Universities, Polys, Colleges, etc.?
2. How NOUN Run Its Nursing, Public Health, Environmental Health, etc.
3. 7 Types of Organizations For Computer Students IT/SIWES
4. CV Crafting Skills For Graduates with 2.2 or Lower Credit
5. What Certificates Do the Colleges of Health Award?