Lagos, Nigeria – September 14, 2026
DDNewsOnline
As students return to campuses for a new academic session, attention is often focused on course registration, lectures and academic preparations. However, for students approaching the stage of industrial training, another important preparation should not be overlooked: understanding what Industrial Training (IT) and the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) actually mean.
Although the terms IT and SIWES are commonly used interchangeably, they do not refer to exactly the same thing. Industrial Training generally refers to the practical work experience students gain in a workplace, while SIWES is the formal scheme established to expose students to practical industrial experience related to their fields of study.
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The distinction is important because industrial training is not simply about finding a place to work during a school break. Under SIWES, students, institutions, employers and the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) all have roles to play in ensuring that the training provides relevant practical experience.
For students, understanding the difference early can help them prepare properly for their placement instead of waiting until the training period is close before seeking information. Students also need to know the requirements of their individual institutions, including approved places of attachment, registration procedures, documentation and supervision.
The importance of the programme goes beyond fulfilling an academic requirement. SIWES was designed to help students connect what they learn in the classroom with practical workplace experience. It gives students the opportunity to observe professional practices, develop relevant skills and gain an understanding of the working environment before completing their education.
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For students in practical and professional courses, this experience can also influence how they approach their future careers. A student who spends the training period actively learning and applying classroom knowledge can leave with more than a completed academic requirement; they can also gain workplace exposure and skills that may become useful after graduation.
As the new academic session begins, students who will soon proceed for industrial training are therefore encouraged to begin making enquiries early. Rather than waiting for deadlines or relying on what other students say, they should seek clarification from their departments and institutions about the specific requirements for their programme.
School resumption, therefore, presents an opportunity for students to prepare not only for the academic work ahead but also for the practical experiences that form part of their education. Knowing what IT and SIWES mean, and understanding the requirements attached to them, can help students approach industrial training with greater preparation and purpose.
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Ultimately, the goal should not be simply to complete an industrial attachment, but to make the experience count.
By Efunbajo Victoria
Reporter