Abstract
This paper focused on issues relating to Students Industrial Work Experience
Scheme (SIWES) and entrepreneurial skills acquisition among Home
Economics students in tertiary institutions in Anambra State. Specifically, it
determined: new skills learnt by students during their SIWES experience;
ways SIWES impacted on their entrepreneurial skill acquisition; challenges
students faced during SIWES; and measures that will enhance SIWES
programme. The study adopted survey design. Population was made up of
268 Home Economics students who have gone through SIWES experience
from the three tertiary institutions that offer Home Economics in Anambra
State. Questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were analyzed using
mean and standard deviation. Findings include 17 skills learnt by the
students through SIWES among which were skills in soap making, baking,
catering, sewing and designing; seven ways SIWES impacted on the students
entrepreneurial skill development. These include that, it prepares students
for employment; it exposes students to new work method. Fifteen challenges
faced by Home Economics students during SIWES training were determined.
These include finance, student placements as a result of non-acceptance of
students by some establishments, inadequate supervision of trainees amo--
ng others. Twenty-eight measures that could enhance SIWES among which
are adequate payment of SIWES allowances, collaboration between
institutions and industries and students should adhere to industries rules
and regulations. Five recommendations for enhancing SIWES programme
were made.