In Nigeria, the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge acquired in tertiary institutions and practical skills demanded by the labour market. SIWES serves as a crucial component of the educational system, providing students with valuable hands-on experience in their respective fields of study. This program not only enhances students' employability but also cultivates a culture of industriousness among Nigerian youth. In this article, we delve into the benefits of SIWES and its significant contribution to shaping a skilled and productive workforce in Nigeria, and a peep into the experience of having SIWES or Industrial Training (IT) in any of the Early Code training centers.

How SIWES and IT Benefit The Student

• Practical Skill Development
• Industry Relevance
• Professional Networking
• Enhanced Employability
• Industry-Academia Collaboration
• Economic Development

Practical Skill Development

It is not a strange thing to mention that colleges of education, polytechnics, and universities conduct little or no practical training for the life-skill development of the students. Here, we are talking about training that equips and prepares the student for the labour market (to be employable). SIWES offers students the opportunity to gain practical experience in their chosen fields, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge acquired in the classroom to real-world scenarios. Through hands-on training in industries, students develop essential technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and proficiency in industry-specific tools and technologies. This practical exposure enhances their competency and prepares them for the challenges of the professional world.

Industry Relevance

Recently, different relevant bodies in Nigeria have been making efforts to improve the Nigerian tertiary education curriculum for relevance. This is because most of the previous and current contents do not meet changes in our present world to meet the needs of different fields. The SIWES program is helping to complement the efforts of such bodies by immersing students in actual workplace environments, SIWES ensures that their training aligns with current industry practices and standards. This exposure enables students to stay updated with the latest advancements, trends, and technologies in their respective fields. Thus, SIWES enhances the relevance of education by fostering a dynamic connection between academic learning and industry demands. This benefit offers the student the most in the aspect of Industrial Training (IT).

Professional Networking

Participating in SIWES provides students with opportunities to network with professionals, mentors, and peers within their chosen industries. Building these connections can open doors to future employment prospects, internships, and collaborative projects. Moreover, interacting with industry experts enables students to gain insights, advice, and mentorship, which are invaluable assets for their career growth and development. In Early Code Abuja, we have had students who completed their SIWES program in one of our centers and were later employed by the institution. When a student is having their SIWES or IT program with us, we make deliberate efforts to ensure that the student acquires a marketable skill before the expiration of their program.

Enhanced Employability

The present-day labour might appear tough to young graduates who probably have little or no experience in their fields. One of the best ways to navigate this challenge is to gain relevant and marketable skills before graduation from a higher institution. If the student is studying a course relating to computers and technology, a technical (especially digital) skill will be most recommended. SIWES equips students with a competitive edge in the job market by enhancing their employability skills. Through practical experience, students develop attributes such as teamwork, communication, time management, and adaptability, which are highly sought after by employers. Additionally, completing SIWES demonstrates a candidate's initiative, commitment, and readiness for the rigors of professional life, making them more attractive to potential employers.

Industry-Academia Collaboration

Industries, especially the private sector have so much that they could offer academic bodies and institutions. The discoveries and operating standards in different industries can be transferred to academia for educational purposes. However, this knowledge transfer does exist with the system and is carried out through the interaction among the student, SIWES Monitoring Supervisor, and the host company.

SIWES fosters collaboration between educational institutions and industries, promoting knowledge exchange, research partnerships, and skill development initiatives. By engaging with academia, industries can contribute to curriculum development, offer internship opportunities, and identify emerging skill requirements. This collaboration strengthens the linkages between academia and the labor market, ensuring that educational programs remain relevant and responsive to industry needs.

Economic Development

A skilled workforce is vital for driving economic growth and innovation. By equipping students with practical skills and industry exposure, SIWES contributes to the development of a competent and productive workforce, which is essential for advancing Nigeria's economic agenda. Furthermore, SIWES encourages entrepreneurship and innovation among students, fostering a culture of creativity and enterprise that fuels economic prosperity.

SIWES and IT Placement at Early Code

SIWES or IT placements in Early Code are structured in the following ways.

• The student is mandated to choose an area of a technical field. The student is usually given guidance to complete it.
• The student is assigned a mentor.
• The students perform duties similar to the ones done by the regular members of the institution.
• The student is tasked with making things in their chosen fields to prove milestone learning achievements.
• The student is taught character.
• The student completed a major milestone project.

SIWES and IT Placement at Early Code

The following is a list of requirements that the students needs to fulfill to be accepted in any of our centers.

• The student must apply for SIWES or IT placement with accompanying necessary documents from the originating institution.
• The student must be studying computer science or any other course relating to computer science, information technology, software engineering, etc.
• The student must be willing to commit a few days of the week to work physically or hybrid.
• The student must be willing to take at least one of the courses in the institution.
• The student must have accommodation near the desired training center.

The Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) stands as a cornerstone of Nigeria's educational system, offering students invaluable opportunities for skill development, industry exposure, and professional growth. By bridging the gap between academia and industry, SIWES plays a pivotal role in enhancing employability, fostering industry relevance, and driving economic development. As Nigeria strives to build a skilled and industrious workforce, SIWES remains an indispensable tool for shaping the future of its youth and economy.

For inquiries and more information regarding SIWES and IT placements, please reach out to any of the following.

Kubwa, Abuja Training Center

Address: First Floor Pronet Mall, Nearly Opposite First Bank, Gado Nasko Road, 2/2 Kubwa, Abuja.

Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/DrZSyiwUPCTVCVpc9

Phone number: 07087777367

Contact email: emmanuel.odobo@earlycode.net

Nyanya, Abuja Training Center

Address: 3rd Floor EFKO Mall, opposite First Bank, Nyanya-Karishi Road, Nyanya, Abuja.

Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3NCzt6fKxGap9g4R7

Phone number: 07088882568

Contact email: simeon.taiwo@earlycode.net