COMPETENCE DEVELOPMENT AND THE DRIVE TOWARDS LABOUR MARKET DEMAND FOR TERTIARY EDUCATION GRADUATES: IMPACT OF THE STUDENTS’ INDUSTRIAL WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME (SIWES)

The Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) enhances students’ competencies by bridging the gap between practice and theory to improve employability. Despite this, there is limited empirical evidence concerning the programme's effectiveness in supporting capability development among participating students in Nigeria. This study, therefore, investigates whether SIWES enhances the development of the most sought-after employability competencies among participating students. One hundred and thirty-four students were sampled, and data was analyzed using a structural equation model. The study confirmed that SIWES enhances four out of the five competencies examined. The study concluded that SIWES offers significant benefits to students by fostering the development of competencies such as analytical, adaptability, ICT proficiency, problem-solving abilities, and people management skills, all of which are crucial for future employment. The study recommended that higher education providers strengthen and establish frameworks for effective SIWES programme to develop students' competency and prepare them for future jobs.