The influence of supervisors in the implementation of industrial attachment program in TVET institutions in Nigeria

Abstract

Supervisors play a significant role in the implementation of the industrial attachment program by maintaining a student's logbook in learning and serve as a liaison officer between the workplace organizations and the TVET institutions to keep eye on the student learning from a distance. The students are expected to function within the organization as a full-fledged staff. The industrial-based supervisor has full contact with the student at the workplace while the institution-based supervisor relied on the industrial-based supervisor for full supervision. The industrial attachment or student internship program last from 12 to 25 weeks, focuses on providing final year TVET students with authentic work experiences. The study used the qualitative method and interviewed ten supervisors who are currently supervising students on industrial attachments to assess the influence of supervisors in the implementation of industrial attachment at TVET institutions in Nigeria. The interview was audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis. The analysis revealed that supervisors contributed to the implementation of industrial attachment in Nigeria, and industrial attachment provides students with authentic work experience. Findings suggest that the interaction between the institution-based supervisor and industrial-based supervisor enhanced industrial attachment and lead to the nurturing of job-ready TVET graduates.