Industrial Training as a Benchmark of the Employability for the Mathematical Sciences Students of UKM

Abstract

Industrial Training course (ITc) is a student's placement programme in organizations outside the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). The aims of the training are to expose students to real working environment and enhance the knowledge and skills in their profession. The program is expected to produce students with competencies required by employers. This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of the ITc in providing work experience to students of Mathematical Sciences. In addition, feedback from the industries on skills and abilities of Mathematical Sciences students in performing their tasks is obtained. Information from students and employers are collected through questionnaires which were distributed to all Mathematical Sciences students who undergo ITc and the employers during the ITc assessment visits. Analysis of the survey shows that overall, Mathematical Sciences students agreed that the program is helpful in providing exposure and experience to them. From the perspective of employers, the findings show that the employers are satisfied with the skills and abilities of the students in carrying out the assigned tasks.