Facilitating Industrial Placement in the Construction Engineering Curriculum

There is often a claim that there is a disconnection between theory and practice, which raises questions on student’s readiness for employment and the extent that higher education responds effectively to the evolving needs of the construction industry. Industrial placements schemes can facilitate student learning from construction practice whereby students can reflect on their learning experience at the university. The interplay between traditional engineering curriculum and the context based learning is important for securing the right skills and competencies among the graduates. This paper takes outset in the hypothesis that external effectiveness (industry readiness) is better in those modes of education that, at least in part, are based on the world of work itself, and several sources highlight the necessity of strong links between engineering education and industry. Hence, it becomes central for the program to facilitate the industrial placement effectively. How to do so is investigated through a large survey among student that has finalized an internship scheme. The sample size consists of entries. Guidance on how to facilitate internship most effectively pre, per and post scheme is outlined and discussed.