AN EVALUATION OF THE STUDENT INDUSTRIAL ATTACHMENT PROGRAMME IN ZIMBABWE: A CASE STUDY OF CHINHOYI UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

The student industrial attachment has become an integral part of academic programmes that seek to improve students’ career prospects and employability. This study evaluated the attachment programme from the perspective of students and university lecturers. A sample of eighty-seven (87) participants comprising lecturers, students and parents were interviewed using self-administered questionnaires, semi-structured and focus group interviews. Data were analysed using descriptive analysis and content analysis. The majority of the respondents concurred that the student industrial attachment programme helps to bridge the gap between theory and practice. There were perceived variations with respect to the grading of the assessments, mismatch between equipment and technology available in the University and industry. Further, to concerns regarding the administration of the programme, in particular, challenges in securing attachments and student allowances, lack of resources to cover industrial supervisors’ transport and accommodation costs. The main recommendations include the need for the University to establish a Unit to coordinate the programme and foster closer liaison with industry, monitor quality assurance procedures, upgrade equipment and technology. In addition to regular reviews of the student attachment programme in line with changing and challenging business environments.