EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF INDUSTRIAL TRAINING IN BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN BUSINESS EDUCATION CLASSROOM EXPERIENCE AND THE REAL WORLD OF WORK, IN UNIVERSITY OF BENIN, BENIN CITY, EDO STATE

ABSTRACT

The study examine the effectiveness of industrial training in bridging the gap between business education classroom experience and the real world of work in public university Edo state. Four research question was raised and answered. A descriptive survey design was adopted. The total population for the study consist of one hundred and six (106) 400 level business education students in from the department of vocational and Technical Education, Faculty of Education, University of Benin in Edo State with a sample size of One hundred and six (106) 400 level business education student, therefore there will be no sampling technique, the instrument used for data collection was questionnaire. The findings reveal that the experience gained during industrial training help business education students create job opportunity for themselves in future to a high extent. The exposure to the real work environments and opportunities provided by industrial training facilitate job opportunities and practical skill acquisition to a high extent. The practical knowledge gained during industrial training help to bridge the gap between business education classroom and the real world of work to a high extent. Moreover, industrial training helps broaden students' entrepreneurial capabilities through exposure to various business aspects and enhances career clarity by allowing interaction with industry professionals and aiding in identifying students' strengths and interests. The following recommendations were made based on this finding; Incorporating of more practical experiences within the business education curriculum to ensure a seamless transition from academic learning to real-world application. Increasing of the availability and diversity of industrial training opportunities to provide students with a broad range of experiences and skills relevant to their future careers. Fostering of stronger partnerships between universities and industries to facilitate ongoing dialogue and cooperation, ensuring that educational programs remain aligned with industry needs. Including of comprehensive entrepreneurial training within the curriculum, emphasizing real-world business development, marketing strategies, financial management, and networking skills. Offering of robust career counseling and mentorship programs to help students gain clarity on their career paths, leveraging insights from their industrial training experiences.