Perceptions of Industry in Botswana towards Botho University Student Industrial Attachment (SIA) Program.

Abstract

One of the Quality Policy statements for Botho University (BU) is to produce internationally and global employable graduates. This helps BU to make meaningful contributions to sustainable development in Botswana through the provision of high quality education. The study was motivated by the desire to establish perceptions of Botswana industry as regards BU Student Industrial Attachment (SIA) Programme introduced in 2011. The population for the study constituted 601 organizations which had at one time or another have taken BU students on attachment, and a convenience sample of 200 was taken in Gaborone, and 150 questionnaires were fully completed and returned, representing a 75 % response rate. The major finding of the study was that industry had a positive perception and a supportive attitude towards the attachment programme. However, further research regarding duration of the attachment, timing and intergrated curriculum development is needed in order to reinforce the attachment programme.