What is an Industrial Training

Industrial Training is a training that students undergo in order to learn the practical applications of their study in the field mainly an Industry or organization, it is mainly to allow the student experience real job scenarios and also for them to have a practical knowledge and hands on skill on  what they’ve learnt.

For Industrial Training, institutions where the student studies will continually play a vital role during the course of the industrial training which may include sourcing the placement for them and sending university based supervisor to supervise them unlike internship which is more of a job but with less benefits than what you would normally get working as a full staff.

Industrial Training In Nigeria Universities

Basically, there are three (3) types of industrial Training In Nigeria which are

1. Short Vacation or 3 Months industrial Training
2. 6 Months Industrial Training
3. 1 year Industrial training

3 Month industrial training

Though not really taken serious is a compulsory program in the University, it is usually given limited time for souring placement hence there is no need to start applying at companies that write test.

The best you can do for a 3 months industrial Training is to apply at small local companies near you, enroll for computer lessons and other programs that are meaningful to your course of study.

Take it or leave it, Applying for a 3 months industrial Training at big multinational Companies is a waste of time. You will be shortlisted for test, called for interview and then you will wait to be called for eternity.

Nevertheless, companies like Addax and Schlumberger accepts students for 3 months

6 Months Industrial Training 

This is the main Industrial Training Program for student, it usually have a high credit load of  about 6 – 18 unit load  making it the most important program in the university system for students. Apply before the program start is the best you can do to yourself, don’t wait till the six months starts counting before you start going to companies begging for placement.

Even though you might get called before you are ready for the offer (before you are done with your exams), it is best you negotiate with the companies explaining to them the best time for you to start after they must have called you.

1 year Industrial training 

This is the same thing as the 6 month industrial Training just that it is mainly prominent for polytechnic students. Some tops organization like NNPC and DPR accepts 1 year industrial Training Program

Sourcing For Industrial Training – The struggle

I’ll be discussing four techniques you can adopt in searching for placements.

Online Application and Manual Submission

First, make a note of the various fields/types of companies you would want to intern in. Go online and make inquiries of various companies that falls in these categories.
For example, I wanted to do my IT in a software development company in Port Harcourt, so I went online and searched for Software development companies in Port Harcourt.

I made a list of these companies and others, browsed for more info on them, visited and explored their websites and applied either through the site or sent an application mail to the contact mail or recruitment mail on their site. And luckily, one of the companies replied and invited me for interview.

Indigenous Companies around you

Secondly and very important, explore your area, make a list of companies, banks and organization around there, research about the company online and prepare application letters accordingly.

There is a big advantage with doing IT around the area you live in even though it will not be as large as your dream multinational company but you can start from there and build a network of connection required to spice up your career life.  So while you’re exploring for other options, if there is any good company near your house, endeavor to apply.

For example, I did my 3 months industrial Training at a Gas refiling plant and it was there I met the Manager of the Marketing department NGC (Nigeria Gas commission) with his aid i was able to apply and secure a placement at NLNG

Through Referrals or Connection

Connections are really important in this part of the earth and it would be very helpful if you utilize the connections you have. I have heard a lot of people complaining that they don’t have connections required to secure a slot for them. That is a big lie for me.

You don’t have to know someone in government or a big company before you believe you have connection. Or it is not really a must that the connection will be your close family member
Speak to your close neighbours, relations, that well known man in your village, church members.

What is important first is let them help you just submit your application to their company and try to pressurize them by making sure they follow up your application.

Also be aware that some companies don’t accept application without it being referred by a staff in the company. This may look like the connection we know but really its just their way of making sure everything is accounted for. So that in case of any misbehavior from the trainee a staff can be held responsible for his action

In my case, my neighbour submitted my application for me to his manager and put in a good word and the application was approved. Another person I gave my application letter to submitted it for me in one of the Oil producing companies (Total to be specific) and at least, it got me an invitation to participate in their recruitment test

Make a Difference – Be the best

You are competing with thousands of student for a position that will just last for 6 months, is your worth high enough for a company to take you, train you for six months and then let you go??

First, your application letter defines you. Even if the company requests for only the Industrial Training letter from your school, Also forward an application letter and your CV Your application is what speaks for you and so, should be well written
If you know your CGPA may give you advantage, put it in your application letter. It may depict you as a serious person if the person reviewing applications likes academically intelligent people.

Do a research about the company you’re applying for and attach a clause in your letter showing you have an interest in what you’ll learn there. In essence, you shouldn’t have a generic application letter.
Indicate special skills you have related to the company.

While applying for the television broadcasting internship, I indicated I was studying communications engineering under the dept of EEE, I had interests and wanted to learn about Broadcasting and satellite technologies, video editing and presentations. I also listed skills as being proficient in basic electronic designs and troubleshooting

While applying for the internship in the oil company, I indicated I had interests in the oil and Gas exploration and production technologies and the applications of electronic, digital and control systems in the industry and it’s operations.

Though it may not matter in most companies, but in unsolicited applications, such clauses may be the reason why you’ll be finally contacted

Finally, if you’re invited for a test or interview
First, go online and read about the company… Know a little about what they do, their senior managers, the industry they occupy
If it is a Federal/State Government parastatal, you may need to revise your current affairs

Read on how to prepare for industrial Training Examination, it will guide you on what and how to prepare for Exams
On mathematics or English test or interview question, it’s not usually about the preparations before the test… It is about how relaxed and yet, fast you are during the test. I’m not saying. Though you should go unprepared o… I’m only pointing out that you should be relaxed during the exam.

The questions are still like GMAT questions, They test for your basic understanding of Maths and English principles and hence, should not frighten you.

 

I hope this help, feel free to leave a comment below