CHAPTER ONE

1.0 Introduction

The student work experience scheme (SIWES) is a worldwide program practiced in countries

like Japan, Australia, USA, Europe, and in African countries too. It is popularly known as

cooperative education and referred to as sandwich in Europe (Jackkson, 2006; Kaider et al.,

2009). In the earlier stage of science and technology in Nigeria, students were graduating from

respective institution without technical knowledge or working experience. The problem of lack

of workshops/laboratories or ill-equipped ones has led to the production of "half-baked"

graduates. This is because they lack the skills required for the world of work. To solve this

problem, Students' Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) was established (Ekpenyong,

2005). And mandated for students undergoing Science and Technology related courses in view

of widening their horizons so as to enable them have technical knowledge or working experience

before graduating from their various institutions. A department in Industrial Training Fund (ITF)

called Industrial Training Department (ITD) is charged with the responsibility of SIWES

(Chukwuedo, 2011). ITF was established in 1971, and operates within the context of its enabling

Decree 47 of 1971 by the Supreme Military Council, headed by General Yakubu Gowon, and

amended in the ITF Act of 2011 (Osuala, 1987). The Students' Industrial Work Experience

Scheme (SIWES) was established by the Federal Government of Nigeria under the Industrial

Training Fund (ITF) in 1973 and commenced in 1974 (Ele et al., 2017) with 748 students from

11 institutions of higher learning participating. The scheme is to enable students of tertiary

institution (Universities, Polytechnic and Colleges of Technology) to have basic technical

knowledge of industrial work based on their course of study and to solve the problem of lack of

adequate practical skills preparatory for employment in industries by Nigerian graduates of

higher institutions (ITF, 2017) before the completion of their program in their respective

institutions. Before the establishment of the scheme, there was a growing concern among the

industrialists that graduates of institutions of higher learning lacked adequate practical

background studies preparatory for employment in industries. Thus the employers were of the

opinion that the theoretical education going on in higher institutions was not responsive to the

needs of the employers of labour. As a result of the increasing number of students’ enrolment in

higher institutions of learning, the administration of this function of funding the scheme became

enormous, hence ITF withdrew from the scheme in 1978 and was taken over by the Federal

Government and handed to National Universities commission (NUC), National Board for

Technical Education (NBTE) and National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE). In

1984, the Federal Government reverted back to ITF which took over the scheme officially in

1985 with funding provided by the Federal Government. The scheme was designated to expose

students to industrial environment students to industry based skills necessary for a smooth

transition from the classroom to the world of work (Samson, 2011), to stimulate human

performance, improve productivity, and induce value-added production in industry and

commerce (Tajudeen et al., 2011). and to enable them develop occupational competencies so that

they can readily contribute their quota to national economic and technological development after

graduation. The major benefit of acquiring to students who participated conscientiously in

SIWES is the skills and competencies they acquire. The relevant production skills remain a part

of the recipients of the industrial training as lifelong assets which cannot be taken away from

them. This is because the knowledge and skills acquired through training are internalized and

become relevant when required to perform jobs or function. Duration of SIWES is four months

in Polytechnics at the end of NDI, four months in College of Education at the end of NCE II and
six months in the Universities at the end of 300 or 400 or 500 levels depending on the discipline

(Tajudeen et al., 2011). The scheme is a tripartite program involving the students, the universities

and the industry (employers of labor). The body supervising agencies of this program include

National University Commission (NUC), National Board of Technical Education (NBTE),

National Commission for College Education (NCCE), Employer of Labour and the Institutions.

I undertook my SIWES training at MIC-BRIS Engineering Technology between the months of

January to June, 2022.

Objectives of SIWES

The major benefits accruing to students who participate conscientiously in industrial training are

the skills and competencies they acquire. This is because the knowledge and skill acquired

through training by students are internalized, and it becomes relevant, during job performances

or functions. The Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) is aimed at providing

skills for students in their various fields. Some of the various objectives why the program put in

place are:

 Students are exposed to the work environment and equipment handling methods
 To provide a platform for Nigerian University students to get industrial skills and during
their studies.
 To give students the opportunity to gain industrial skills, discipline and experience while
pursuing their approved course of study
 To prepare students for a business career by merging their analytical power with the
practical skills self-reliance.
 CHAPTER TWO

2.1 GENERAL OVERVIEW OF MIC-BRIS ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

MIC-BRIS Engineering Technology company is a registered and medium fast-growing

establishment that has been in existence since the mid 2000’s, it is an electrical engineering company

located at No. 77 River Road, Ugboroke, off Airport Road, Warri Delta State. MIC-BRIS

Engineering company is a sole entrepreneurship company with approximately 5 employees and

it’s owned by Engr. Unuero Isaac, an electrical engineer

2.2 FIELD OF (BUSINESS) ACTIVITY/ RESPONSIIBILITIES

MIC-BRIS Engineering services are into electrical wiring, electrical devices installation,

fire alarm installation and procurement of safety PPE (personal protection equipment) materials.

2.3 SELF CONCEPT

MIC-BRIS Engineering services company renders electrical services such as domestic and

industrial wiring, procurement of PPE (personal protective equipment), safety materials, and

electrical integrity testing such as continuity test, insulation test and polarity test, as well as fire

alarm devices installation to companies, industries and individuals.

CONTINUITY TEST: This is to ensure integrity of the live, neutral and earth conductors

without bridging (short circuit) of connection.

INSULATION TEST: this test is to ensure that there is a high resistance between live and

neutral conductors and these conductors and earth conductors, a low resistance will result in
current leakage and energy waste which could deteriorate the insulation and be a potential fire

hazard.

POLARITY TEST: this is to ensure that all switches and circuit breakers are connected in the

phase or live conductor.

CORPORATE GOAL

MIC-BRIS Engineering services objective is to deliver an amazing experience to every of its

retail and corporate client. It is redefining the electrical market by operating highly efficient, full-

fledged, franchised dealerships. With an unsurpassed advantage of having invested in ultra-

modern equipment, tools and expertise blended with innovative response to the needs of its

clients. It is also positioned to provide logistics solution tailored to meet the needs of its

respective clients, thereby delivering “Peace of Mind” to its customers.

THE COMPANY’S SCOPE OF WORK

In areas of specialization MIC-BRIS Engineering Limited has the capacity of providing

following services such as design, develop, and test electrical devices and equipment, wiring and

maintenance of electrical infrastructures.

Vision

To be the leader in engineering intelligent switchgear solutions through excellence in customer

service and innovation.

Mission

 To develop and supply intelligent solutions and services for electrical distribution

systems
 To respond and adapt to our customer needs, enabling the supply of energy safely and

reliably

 To achieve success through the commitment of our employees and actively engage,

empower and continuously develop our workforce.

 Company Organogram

CEO

Assistant Senior Field

Senior Field agent agent

Trainees/ IT Students

Junior Field Agent Junior Field Agent

Junior Field Agent
Technical Departments

• Engineering: - It is the heart of MIC-BRIS Engineering Limited. Preparation of engineering

design and studies.

• Project Controls: - Project planning and scheduling, cost estimating, cost engineering and

information technology.

• Projects: - Co-ordinates the engineering activities being undertaken during any project

including arranging for site visits, liaison with the customers to inform them about the

progress of their projects. Management of all capital projects.

• Procurement: - Management of procurement function for operations. Provides materials

needed by the other departments and keeps stock of what is available in the stores at any

point in time.

• Installation: - Management of construction activities.

• Training: - Organize/arrange staff development programs like on-the-job-training, short- term

courses and seminars, overseas rotational training etc, to ensure that MIC-BRIS Engineering

Limited personnel are informed of technological advancement in the industry. It ensures

employee development.
 CHAPTER THREE

EXPERIENCE GAINED AND WORK DONE

3.1 Experience Gained

I had my work experience at the MIC-BRIS Engineering services Limited, At MIC-BRIS

Engineering services, I learnt the fundamentals of electrical engineering and my day-to-day activities

were recorded in the log book. The six-month Student Industrial Work Experience (SIWES) carried out at

MIC-BRIS Engineering services has exposed me to a high level of hands-on training/practical which

has helped build my knowledge of what has been taught in the four wall of the university classroom and

in the areas that will be still further taught. Some used terms in the classroom which application was not

cleared has now been practically experienced and understood.

In the process of this SIWES I have gained experience such as low-voltage systems like power controls,

installations, wiring, cabling and security systems, and more. power and renewable energy including the

connection of solar and inverter, Some of the experiences gained are highlighted as follows:

 Wall bracket

 Distribution box

 Pop led light

 Knockout boxes

 Piping

Wall bracket
Wall-mounted light fixtures, commonly known as sconces, offer a great way to add character to

general room lighting. Replacing an old sconce with a newer, more stylish fixture is a great way to

update the look of a room.

Equipment / Tools and Materials

Non-contact circuit tester

Screwdriver

New wall sconce light fixture

Wire connectors (wire nuts)

Instructions and Installation Steps

 Turn off the Power

Before any repair is performed on an electrical circuit, you need to make sure the power is off.

Turn off power to the circuit feeding the switch and light fixture by switching off the

corresponding circuit breaker at the main service panel.

 Remove the Old Light Fixture

Remove any shade or globe on the sconce, then remove the light bulb. Loosen the mounting

screws or knob that holds the base of the light fixture to the electrical box, then gently pull the

fixture away from the box.

 Remove the Mounting Bracket

Compare the existing mounting bracket to the new one included with the new light fixture. These

brackets usually come in two varieties. One type is a round plate, as shown here. With these
brackets, the circuit wires extend through the center of the plate, and the fixture attaches to screw

holes in the sides. The other type is a mounting strap that spans the electrical box.

 Install New Mounting Bracket

Attach the new mounting bracket included with the fixture (if necessary) to the electrical box,

threading the screws into the openings on the box. Make sure the bracket is secure and can't

move around.

 Attach the Ground Wire

Your new fixture will have a bare copper or green insulated wire that serves to ground the

fixture. Attach this ground lead to the green ground screw on the mounting bracket by wrapping

the wire clockwise around the shaft of the screw, then tightening it down.

 Connect Hot and Neutral Wires

Use wire connectors to join the white fixture lead to the white circuit wire (the neutral), and the

black fixture lead to the black circuit wire (the hot wire). Tug on the wire connectors to make

sure the connections are secure. If the wires are the same color (and there is no black and white

wire), distinguish between the two by looking at the wires themselves: The neutral wire will

usually have ridges along the side of the wire, while the hot wire will not.

Tuck in the Wires

Carefully fold the wiring into the electrical box behind the strap or disc so as not to pinch the

wires as you attach the fixture to the mounting bracket. Try to naturally coil the wires, rather
than bending them sharply. Often, fixtures won't have a black wire and both wires will be the

same color. To differentiate between neutral and hot wires, the neutral wire will usually have

ridges along the side of the wire, while the hot wire will not.

Fig 1: Wall bracket before assembling and installation

Fig 2: Installed Wall bracket

Distribution Box

The distribution box serves as the load centre and distributor of electrical power. A distribution

box ensures that electrical supply is distributed in the building, also known as a distribution

board, panel board, breaker panel, or electric panel. It is the central electrical supply system of

any building or property.

Installation steps

1. Distribution cabinet shall be placed on the foundation section steel one by one according to the

layout of construction drawing. The verticality adjustment of the cabinet surface and side of the

individual cabinet panel can be solved by adding pad iron, but it cannot exceed three pieces, and

it can be welded firmly. After each set of the cabinet (panel) is in place, the levelness and
deviation of the panel surface shall be adjusted to meet the requirements of the construction

specification.

2. The wall mounted distribution box can be fixed on the wall with expansion bolts, but the

dovetail bolts shall be embedded in the hollow brick or block wall or fixed with the pull bolts.

3. The distribution box shall be embedded in the installation, and the panel after installation shall

be flat with the wall.

4. After the cabinet (panel) adjustment is finished, the cabinet body and foundation section steel

shall be fastened with bolts.

5. Cabinet (panel) grounding: each cabinet panel is connected with foundation steel separately.

Copper wire can be used to reliably connect PE row in cabinet with grounding bolt, and spring

washer must be added to prevent looseness. Each cabinet door shall be reliably connected with

PE row with copper braided wire.

Fig 3: Installation of the distribution box

Fig 4: fully installed electrical distribution box

Knockout boxes Installation

A "knock out" or "KO" is a partially stamped opening in electrical enclosures that allows quick

entry of a wire, cable or pipe via connector or fitting to the interior. With the right information

and technique, you should be able to remove a "KO" from electrical panels and other electrical

enclosures without any problems.

Installation steps

 Ensure that the wire/wires you're going to be dealing with are not powered: Switch

off all suspect breakers and use a suitable meter or tester to ensure that power is off -

reducing the chance of shock or burns.

 Locate the knock out stamping (KO) sized to fit the desired connector (or

fitting): There will likely be several KOs of different sizes on more than one surface

from which to choose. Pick the one that will be easiest to connect the cable or pipe.

 Find the point of attachment for this KO. The single size KOs and smallest of multiple

KOs are generally secured in a single location. Press the edge of a screwdriver against the

inner-most KO's stamped edge, away from this point of attachment, and press (or rap

sharply if needed) to push the KO away from the wall of the box

 Twist the KO back and forth with fingers or pliers to fully remove. The smallest KO is

usually a 3/8" or 1/2" trade size opening. Most modern connectors require a minimum

1/2" trade size opening. If this is the size of the KO removed and the connector to be

installed, skip head to step 10; otherwise continue to increase to the next step KO size.

 Locate the next KO ring point of attachment. The second ring of KO is much smaller and

may be attached to yet a third (or more) KO ring. These KO rings are also often secured
 by two (or more) points of attachment. They will require slightly more effort and patience

to remove without damaging any additional KO rings that are larger than needed. An

over-sized opening will not support the connector without additional expense.

 Insert the blade of the screwdriver into the opening as shown so that the tip just extends

beyond the opening. The tip should be as far away as possible from the point of

attachment. The blade should not extend beyond the the outer edge of the inner ring.

Gently pry the screwdriver's tip into the box. Only the inner ring of the KO should bend

inward.

 Tighten fully by placing the blade of the screwdriver in a "valley" of the locknut, and rap

sharply with pliers or hammers.

Fig 5: Knockout boxes installation

Electrical conduit (Piping)

An electrical conduit is a metal or plastic pipe through which electrical wires are run. Available

in either rigid or flexible forms, a conduit protects the wires and is used in exposed locations

(such as along the exterior surface of a wall) as well as in unfinished areas (like basements,

crawlspaces, and attics), and in surface-mounted installations outdoors.

Types of Conduit

Conduit used for residential wiring includes several types of metal and plastic materials designed

for different applications. Here are the most common types:

Electrical Metallic Conduit (EMT): Electrical metallic conduit is a rigid, thin-walled metal

conduit typically made of galvanized steel. EMT is technically tubing, not conduit, hence the

abbreviation uses the letter "T" instead of "C." Because the tubing is thin and lightweight, it is

easy to bend with a special tool called a conduit bender. EMT is best used indoors for residential

and light commercial construction—if it's installed outdoors, it needs to be assembled along with

watertight fittings. Outdoors, EMT will typically last a few years—indoors, it'll last indefinitely.

Flexible Metal Conduit (FMT) and Liquid-tight Flexible Metal Conduit (LFMC): Flexible

metal conduit has a spiral construction which allows the conduit to bend easily, simplifying

installation in walls or other structures. FMT tubing is commonly used for short runs in exposed

locations, such as wiring for garbage disposers and water heaters. Its close cousin, liquid-tight

flexible metal conduit, is a flexible metal conduit covered with plastic sheathing to make it

watertight. It is used for outdoor wiring serving air conditioning units and other outdoor

equipment.
Non-Metallic Liquid-tight Flexible Conduit: Non-metallic liquid-tight conduit is often used in

place of liquid-tight flexible metal conduit (LFMC). It has unique connectors and is used when

less protection is needed for the conduit, as in indoor settlings.

Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC) and Intermediate Metal Conduit(IMC): Rigid metal conduit

and intermediate metal conduit are heavy-duty conduits made of galvanized steel. They are used

for the structural piping that houses the wiring for the home's connection to the utility service

lines for many overhead services. IMT has largely replaced RMC in new construction, and both

RMC and IMC are joined with threaded connections.

Electrical Non-Metallic Tubing (ENT): Electrical nonmetallic tubing is flexible plastic tubing

designed for use inside residential walls or concrete block structures. Although the tubing is

moisture-resistant and flame-retardant, it's not suitable to exposed locations and should not be

installed outdoors or anywhere that may be exposed to the elements. This tubing is often called

Smurf tubing for its blue color, though it also comes in gray and orange, depending on the

manufacturer and/or use.

PVC: Rigid PVC is a plastic pipe similar in size to rigid metal conduit (RMC). It can be heated

and bent and is joined with glued or threaded connections. PVC is typically available in Schedule

40 and Schedule 80 options: Schedule 40 is used most often, but Schedule 80 is used when

there's risk of damage to the pipes because it has thicker walls.

Fig 6: Installation of an Electric conduit
CHAPTER FOUR

4.1 PROBLEMS OF SIWES

There is no double that SIWES is a loudable skill development programmes geared towards

bridging the gap between theory and leant in the schools and the actual practice, however, inspire

of its effectiveness in professional development of students the scheme has been hampered by

the challenges such as non-acceptance of students by some employer non relevance of places of

attachment or training inadequate supervision of students by some institution. In adequate

supervision of students by some institution in adequate SIWES orientation programme, lack of

funding the programme etc among others that is why some of SIWES objective are not achieved.

Although my six months Industrial Training was a success, but I cannot deny the fact that I

have faced challenges in the course of the training. These challenges include.

 Financial constrain

From the organization where I undertook my Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme to

my residential place is a long distance. So I really spent so much just to transport myself to and

from my place of attachment. You see, there was even a day that I almost missed going to work

because of transport fare issue. In fact, I cannot hide this, there were some days that I trekked

that long distance and sincerely speaking all the days that I did that I felt it in my body. So you

see it was actually not funny.

 Lack of Orientation.

 Lack of Supervision & Care.

 Laziness of Workers
Possible Suggestions to the Problems

 I suggest that the government of Gombe state should consider Gombe State Water

Board for rehabilitation. Because, I think by doing so most of the problems the board

is facing would be tackled.

 I also suggest to Industrial Training Fund (ITF) that they should review the policy of

paying allowance to students on Industrial Training. The policy should be in such a

way that the student will be given small amount every month when he or she is still

on the training program.

4.2 WAYS TO IMPROVE SIWES PROGRAMME

 Orientation should be done for the students prior to the commencement of the programme by

the institution in conjunction with the industrial training fund (ITF) and the institution

making the attendance mandatory for students.

 Companies and organisations should be lectured on the importance for industrial training so

as to accept students.

 There should be regular check on the performance of student by their institutional supervisor.

 Government organisation and some private establishment should make provision of some

kind of allowance to the trainee in their section as this will help to motivate students’ interest

to work and give in their best.

4.3 ADVICE TO FUTURE PARTICIPANTS

 Submission of application letter for placement early enough to companies.

 Obedience to authorities of the place of attachment.

 Commitment to work, being punctual as to acquire the basic practical and

industrial knowledge.

 To be of good moral attitude to work and to those in authority.

 To know that the main reason for the training is to learn and never to place

allowance first.

4.4 CONCLUSION

After undergoing 20 weeks of industrial training at MIC-BRIS Engineering Technology, there

are a lot of new knowledge that can be learned and I get to understand altogether on how this

firm plays an important role in industrial field, especially in Electrical engineering, Exposure that

have been given to me by MIC-BRIS Engineering Technology staff about the working and

technical aspect is a very meaningful knowledge to me in order to prepare myself before

stepping into the real work environment on the upcoming days.