Industry-based Practicum: Industrial Technology

The Department of Industrial Technology is one of many departments at the University which offers an Industry-based Practicum, also known as “Practicum 3B” to their student-teachers. This course exposes students to the various employment sectors such as Resource and Technology, Construction Technology, Electrical Technology and Mechanical Technology. The Industrial Technology Education Programme is designed to prepare teachers for technology education at the lower secondary level as well as for an area of specialization at the upper secondary level. The provision of workplace-based experience is a critical component of this programme. Students, therefore, have the opportunity to see the offerings of their area of specialization through authentic experiences at institutions such as Modern Woodcraft Ltd., Boss Furniture, and the UWI Maintenance Department, among others. 

Industry-based Practicum in this Department is an essential component of the student’s appreciation of Technology. It provides students with the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the operations of organizations engaged in manufacturing, construction and/or communication. It also highlights the needed skills in the execution of tasks in construction, electrical, electronic or mechanical engineering activities. Thereby allowing students to greater appreciate the role of technical and vocational education and training in preparing students for the workplace.

During the industry-based practicum, students will be assessed internally and externally on the job. To successfully complete this course students must submit assignments in occupational health and safety, and entrepreneurship, along with an appraisal of performance to be conducted by workplace supervisor(s) and a final report on the industrial field experience.

The Department has broken down this course into 3 Modules. Module 1 is Occupational Health and Safety and amounts to a total of 15 hours with one (1) credit being awarded upon completion. Module 2: Entrepreneurship, totals  15 hours for the practicum period and one (1) credit is awarded upon completion. Lastly, module 3 is Industrial Attachment. This module lasts a total of  45 hours and successful students are awarded one (1) credit upon completion.  In total, there are 3 credits awarded by the University through the Department of Industrial Technology. 

For further information, please consult the Department’s industry-based practicum manual or reach out to the Head of Department or the University’s Practicum Unit.