Complementary Training Program in Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering Undergraduate Courses

Abstract

Contribution: This work evaluates the role of the complementary training programs (CTPs) offered by the Center for Research and Development in Electronic and Information Technology (CETELI), from the Federal University of Amazonas, Brazil. This analysis highlights the relevant role of the CTP, carried out by CETELI, in supporting students in the engineering undergraduate course, thus reducing dropouts and improving retention of low-income students. Background: The great challenge of engineering courses and of all courses in the technological area is to keep in step with the job market and, thus, provide better conditions for entering trainees. Intended Outcomes: Based on the experience of this work, other electrical engineering courses should be encouraged to adopt partnerships with industries, offering the possibility for students to carry out project activities on topics of interest to industries and, especially in developing countries like Brazil, to associate this activity with the provision of scholarships. Application Design: The evaluation assesses the impact of the various CTP partnership projects (PPs) on the graduation rate (GR), on students’ academic performance, and on the average graduation time (GT). It also assesses how the CTP students entered the job market, measuring whether the CTP facilitated their entry. Findings: It was observed a difference in the GR between the students who participated in the CTP and students that did not participate in the CTP. For the computer engineering course, this rate was about five times higher. It was observed that more than half of the students who participated in the CTP entered the market and were hired almost immediately for work in their area of training.