‘Should I do my industrial training at Dangote foods or Chevron?’ ‘Oh! what about banks?’ ‘How about a hospital?’
These were the questions running through my mind when it was time for my industrial training. I told myself that my industrial training will be the best and I will make the best out of it.
‘How amazing will it be working at a company, an industry?’ ‘Going to work every day, and seeing how production works?’ I always say to myself during my third year as an undergraduate.
But, it was not as easy as I had imagined, I’m telling you. Getting a placement is not a joke. It dawned on me that there are so many factors, and criteria to consider.
Many questions came up; does the firm accept students for industrial training, and will I be required to write a test, interview, and many others? Is the placement actually in line with my course of study? These questions will be answered in this article.
Table of Contents
What is Industrial Training (lT)?
Industrial training is an organized way of improving and enhancing knowledge through exposure to a real working environment for students and graduates in a particular field of study. Industrial training is a doorway that allows students achieve their professional goals by giving them a practical understanding of their theoretical curriculum.
Industrial training helps students gain valuable knowledge and experience, build self-confidence, communication skills, creativity, and get used to the working environment.
Industrial training, SIWES, Internship – Any difference?
Industrial training and the student industrial work experience scheme (SIWES) are two terms that are used interchangeably. However, there are differences in some cases. For polytechnics, SIWES is usually done after ND1, while IT is done after completing the National Diploma.
IT is part of the requirement for polytechnic students’ Higher National Diploma program. Internship is entirely different from both. However, they are all types of training and share the aim of educating and building skill sets in students and graduates
- IT and SIWES are university programs, while an internship is not.
- Internship is for students and graduates, while SIWES is for students only.
- Students get supervision/support from their universities throughout their SIWES program, while interns don’t get supervision while applying.
- IT and SIWES have a fixed time frame, while internship periods vary from one company to another.
- There’s no payment plan for SIWES (except if your place of placement decides to pay you for food/transport) while a payment plan is available for interns (varying from one company to another).
Things to Consider While Hunting for Placement for Your Industrial Training
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Which aspect/field of your course of study do you wish to specialize in?
What do I mean by this? Let’s take, for instance, someone studying chemistry. There are different fields in chemistry, and we have analytical, industrial, organic, physical, environmental, medicinal, inorganic, polymers, etc. Having a field of interest will narrow you to available industries, firms, or companies to which you can apply.
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Which industry, firm, or company accepts a student for industrial training
You will be required to make research as to which firm accepts a student for IT. Search the internet for companies who have a history of accepting students for industrial training.
- List of possible placements and which ones you prefer best
From the research conducted, select at least 3 firms/companies. This will serve as your Plan B in case one fails.
- Does the firm provide accommodation or you have to do it yourself?
For industrial training, some firms do have lodges to accommodate, and some don’t. You should make a research so that you can prepare ahead.
- How does this firm operate? Does it align with my learning objectives for the industrial training?
The firm must meet your needs. They should have experts who are willing to teach students. You should check for the firm’s past works. Have they done anything that relates to what you want to train for?
Read Also: 10 Benefits of Internships and How to Get Them
How to Get a placement for Industrial Training in Nigeria?
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Conduct research ahead of time
Do your findings before the period of the industrial training. You can do this by:
- Attending industrial training defense seminar
Upon completing IT, defence is usually done by every student that partakes in the program. Their presentation will also be graded. Attending this kind of program will give you an edge.
- Asking a senior colleague who has passed through that stage is also a way of making research.
Reach out to senior colleagues because they have the experience and they can guide you.
- Asking your industrial training coordinator
Universities have IT coordinators for students whom you can approach for clarification of issues and make inquiries regarding getting a placement.
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Make an early application
Since you have that company in mind for your industrial training, others have it too. Some firms have limitations to the number of applications they accept. Some have deadlines for their application. Submit your IT application before the IT program is announced. In your course of application;
- Some companies might require writing a letter alongside your industrial training form.
- Some companies may require interviews.
- Some companies may require a written test.
You must make findings about the requirement for the application so that your application can be considered. Prepare for the possibilities of any of the above.
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Submit multiple applications
As I mentioned earlier, you must have a list of possible firms to do your industrial training to avoid last-minute struggle. It is not advisable to apply to one company. Some companies might take weeks to respond to the application, so what happens if you are not accepted? To avoid the last-minute hassle, it is best to have multiple applications.
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Attend job placement events
Institutions host workshops, training, and job placement events that are usually open to all, attending these kind of events is an eye-opener to many organizations and firms. You can even build connections even as an undergraduate.
Read Also: How to Gain Work Experience as a Nigerian Student
Lists of Institution Types for Industrial Training
- Oil companies
- Universities
- Research institutes
- Financial institutions
- Water production companies
- Media houses
- Health services
- Forensic science agencies
- Construction firms
- Government departments
- Environmental agencies
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Art and Design centres
- Estate agencies
- Printing press
- Food production company
- Mechanics workshops
- Computer training centres
- Textile industry
Importance of Industrial Training
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Industrial training improves knowledge of the subject and practical skill
Many courses are more practical, especially in technological institutions. But, due to lack of amenities and infrastructure in Nigerian public institutions, everything is made theory which limits students’ understanding. But with industrial training, students are given the opportunity for practical knowledge, which improves their knowledge of subjects.
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Enhance your soft skills
Industrial training enhances soft skills like communication skills, human relations, good conduct, work relation, and so on.
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It helps support your career choice
Having a practical experience in your field of study can make you decide whether you want to further in that field or otherwise. It also provides an opportunity of knowing what might be required of you if you want to continue in that field after completing your course of study.
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Job opportunity
Industrial training provides job opportunities, you can apply for a job in that firm after your course of study.
Read Also: 4 Easy Ways to Secure a Good Job in Nigeria
Conclusion
Getting a placement for your industrial training can be difficult because of Nigeria’s current situation. If you follow the guidelines in this article, you will get a placement in no time. The industrial training should be an avenue for you to become knowledgeable in your field of study and you can decide whether you want to build a career in the field.
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About Author
- She is a passionate writer and orator who believes in writing to make right. She writes blog posts, articles, and poetry. Her interests are majorly in personal development, education, and health.
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