EFFECTIVENESS OF INDUSTRIAL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM IN DEVELOPING EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS TOWARDS TVET GRADUATES:A CASE STUDY AT POLYTECHNIC UNGKU OMAR

Abstract

For graduates of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), the move from training to the world of work is an important crossroads where they need to acquire the right employability skills. This study is to assess the effectiveness of an industrial internship program at Polytechnic Ungku Omar (PUO) in developing the employability skills of its graduates. Focusing on the quantitative research approach, the survey gathered data using structured questionnaires from 60 organizations that offered attached placement for the PUO students. These organizations were from various industries, and their feedback described the skills, employability and professionalism of the interns for the specific placement periods. Based on the results obtained, it is concluded that the industrial internship is an important contributor to five of the eight categories of employability skills such as communication skills, team-working skills, problem-solving skills, adaptability and technical skills.  Employers expressed satisfaction with the PUO interns, and mentioned the good attitude, enthusiasm to learn and convert theory to practical situations. But there are also areas to improve, with more ability to think critically and to innovate. Further, the findings imply a definite relationship between the design and monitoring of the internship program and the extent to which interns are ready for employment in various jobs. This study highlights the importance of systematic industrial internships to connect the academia and industry. It also offers valuable input for PUO to better adapt its study programs and internships to the changing needs of the labor market. The paper concludes with recommendations for more effective cooperation between higher education institutions and industry to continually enhance the quality of internships as well as the employability status of TVET graduates.