Industrial Attachment: Perspectives, Conceptions and Misconceptions of Students at Cape Coast Polytechnic, Ghana

Abstract

The general objective of the study was to evaluate the perspectives, conceptions and misconceptions of students on Industrial Attachment. The study employed the descriptive research design. In all one hundred and seventy-one (171) students participated in the study. Questionnaire was the main instruments for data collection. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics including chi-square tests and correlation analysis were used to ascertain the associations and relationships between variables.The study revealed that students benefit immensely from industrial attachment. The study also found out that students were interested, happy and also had good perception about the Industrial Attachment activity, however; they wished that the duration for Industrial Attachment could be extended to two months or more. Moreover, the study discovered a strong positive correlation between student field of study and industrial experience. Notwithstanding the benefits, it was discovered that greater percentage of the students had difficulty getting an industry for attachment. It is therefore recommended that the polytechnic review and extend the period or duration for attachment to enable students familiarize themselves better with the operations of the industry. Since the study revealed that students found difficulty in securing industrial placement, it is recommended that the polytechnic take-up the responsibility by assisting students to search for places for attachment. This can be achieved through a closer working relationship with the industry. Beside, the polytechnic should also ensure that students are placed in institutions or industries where they can have a practical feel of their study fields.

Keywords: Attachment; Experience; Perception; Competencies and on-the-job Training