IMPACT OF INDUSTRY-BASED TRAINING ON EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS OF AUTOMOBILE TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS IN COLLEGES OF EDUCATION IN NORTH CENTRAL NIGERIA
Keywords:
Industry-Based Training, Employability Skills, Automobile Technology, Technical Education, Colleges of EducationAbstract
Industry-Based Training (IBT) plays a vital role in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical competencies in technical and vocational education. This study examined the impact of IBT on the employability skills of automobile technology students in six selected Colleges of Education in North Central Nigeria. Specifically, it assessed the extent to which IBT influences employability skills, the relationship between IBT duration and students’ proficiency in technical and soft skills, and the effectiveness of IBT facilities, workshops, and tools. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population comprised 112 students, from which 24 respondents were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire titled Industry-Based Training and Employability Skills Questionnaire (IBTESQ). The instrument was validated by experts in technical education for face and content validity, while its reliability was established using the Cronbach Alpha method, yielding a coefficient of 0.82. Data were analysed using mean, standard deviation, and Spearman Rank Correlation. Findings revealed that IBT significantly enhances employability skills, with a positive relationship between IBT duration and skill proficiency. However, IBT facilities and tools were found to be moderately effective. The study concluded that effective IBT improved students’ technical competence and workplace readiness, and it recommended stronger industry partnerships, extended training duration, and improved workshop facilities.References
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