The Effectiveness of Industrial Training: Perception among University Students

Abstract

Nowadays, industrial training has become a mandatory component of academic programs to enhance graduate employability and workplace readiness. However, issues such as skills mismatched, insufficient soft skills and unemployment among graduates persist. Hence, the objectives of this study are to determine the level of perceived effectiveness of industrial training among students at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Kedah Branch using Kirkpatrick Training Model as the underpinning theory. Secondly, the relationship between the three factors toward the effectiveness of industrial training is also examined. Lastly, the most dominant factors towards the effectiveness of industrial training among university students are analysed. This study focused on investigating three factors which are departmental support, pre-placement activities, and host company support. This study employed a cross-sectional and quantitative study design with data collected using a set of questionnaires among 63 students determined using census procedure. The findings indicated all independent variables tested (departmental support, pre-placement activity, and host company support) have positive relationships with the dependent variable (Effectiveness of Industrial training) with the value of p<0.005. The multiple regression analysis reported that departmental support is the most influential factor toward the effectiveness of industrial training among respondents. The findings provided insights that helped higher education institutions and industry stakeholders improve the industrial training program system.