Work Based Learning Strategy through a Strutured Industrial Internship Program for Undergraduate

Work-Based Learning (WBL) can be executed by merging the theoretical knowledge learnt in the university with practical experience gained through an industry attachment of a student. The academic theory and knowledge can be taught in the university while the practice and experience could be enhanced in real working place. In order to create `work-ready' graduates, a program that integrates the academic knowledge and practical experience need to be developed. The purpose of this paper is to share the work-based learning program designed by Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) to produce work-ready graduates. In UTP, a program called Student Industrial Internship Program (SIIP) is designed to provide Work-Based Learning experience for the students. The 28 weeks program that carries seven (7) credit hours is evaluated by both host company supervisor and academic supervisor. The outcome of the program indicates that the selected batch of students was doing very well. They were able to adapt with the real working environment and develop all the necessary skills needed to be “work-ready” graduates.