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ABSTRACT
The study investigated the effectiveness of the Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) in enhancing the career readiness of Business Education students at the University of Benin. It specifically examined how practical experience gained through the SIWES programme influenced students' career readiness and the extent to which it contributed to skill development. The descriptive survey design was employed, targeting a population of 263 Business Education students in the Department of Vocational and Technical Education at the University of Benin. Using a random sampling technique, a sample size of 100 students was selected. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed through descriptive statistics, including frequency counts, percentages, Means, and Standard Deviations. The decision rule for interpretation was based on a criterion mean of 2.50, with responses above this threshold considered significant. The findings revealed that the SIWES programme was effective in improving problem-solving skills, adaptability, and students' confidence in applying theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. However, weaknesses were identified in areas such as technical skill development, leadership preparation, and training in business ethics. In response to these findings, the study recommended stronger collaboration between the university and industries to provide comprehensive exposure to essential areas like financial management, technical tools, and business ethics. Additionally, the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) was urged to implement monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure that SIWES placements align with students' academic and professional goals.
