A TECHNICAL REPORT ON
STUDENTS’ INDUSTRIAL WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME (SIWES)

At:

APEX DIGITAL PRINT HUB
OPPOSITE AIYEGBAJU MARKET, OSOGBO, OSUN STATE

By:

IBRAHIM HAJARA AJOKE
ND/23/BAM/PT/0916

Submitted To:

DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
INSTITUTE OF FINANCE AND MANAGEMENT STUDIES (IFMS) KWARA STATE POLYTECHNIC, ILORIN

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF NATIONAL DIPLOMA (ND) IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT

DEDICATION
I dedicate this report to Almighty Allah and to my wonderful parents

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I owe much gratitude to Almighty Allah the creator of all souls, the source of all inspiration, establishment, knowledge and wisdom for having made it possible for me to get to this present stage in life.
I sincerely appreciate the management and staff of APEX DIGITAL PRINT HUB for giving me the opportunity to undergo my SIWES training in their organization. Their guidance, patience, and support contributed greatly to my learning experience.
I extend my gratitude to my SIWES coordinator and my school lecturers for their advice and supervision throughout the program. Their encouragement helped me make the most of this industrial training.
Lastly, I appreciate my family and friends for their continuous support and motivation during this period. Their encouragement kept me focused and determined to learn and grow

ABSTRACT
This SIWES report provides an overview of my four-month industrial training at APEX DIGITAL PRINT HUB as a Business Administration and Management student. The report highlights my learning experiences, including banner production, photocopying, laminating, printing, attending to customers, and other office tasks. It also discusses the challenges faced, solutions applied, and the valuable skills gained during the program. The training enhanced my practical knowledge of business operations, customer service, and teamwork, which are essential for my future career.

TABLE OF CONTENT
Title Page
Dedication
Acknowledgement 
Abstract 
Table of Contents

CHAPTER ONE
1.0	Introduction
1.1	Brief History of SIWES
1.2	Aims and Objective of the SIWES

CHAPTER TWO
2.0	Brief History of the organization
2.1	Department and their function 

CHAPTER THREE
MAIN WORK DONE 
3.1	Making Banner
3.2	Making Photocopying
3.3	Attending to Customers 
3.4	laminating

CHAPTER FOUR
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
4.1	Problem encounter during the program
4.2	Conclusion
4.3	Recommendation
	References

CHAPTER ONE
1.0	INTRODUCTION 
Training is a key factor in enhancing the efficiency and expertise of the workforce. No society can achieve meaningful progress without encouraging its youth to acquire necessary practical skills. Such skills enable them to make use of available resources to meet the needs of the society. It was against this background that SIWES, otherwise referred to as industrial Training was introduced to Nigeria tertiary institutions.
SIWES is a skill development programme designed to prepare students of universities, polytechnics or monotechnics and colleges of education for transition from academic environment to labour market. 
The scheme had given students the opportunity of getting familiar with and expose to the experience needed in handling the tools and materials which are not provided by the institutions of study.
This report is to keep record and to serve as a proof of my completion of the training exercise which covers a period of four months starting from September to December, 2024 
1.1	BRIEF HISTORY OF SIWES
SIWES (Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme) was established by ITF (Industrial Trust Fund) in 1973 to solve the problem of lack of adequate practical skills preparatory for employment in industries by Nigerian graduates of tertiary institutions. 
The Scheme exposes students to industry based skills necessary for a smooth transition from the classroom to the world of work. It affords students of tertiary institutions the opportunity of being familiarized and exposed to the needed experience in handling machinery and equipment which are usually not available in the educational institutions.
Participation in SIWES has become a necessary pre-condition for the award of Diploma and Degree certificates in specific disciplines in most institutions of higher learning in the country, in accordance with educational policy.
Beneficiaries: Undergraduate students of the following: Agriculture, Engineering, Technology, Environmental, Science, Education, Medical Science and Pure, Applied Sciences and ICT.
Operators: Industrial Trust Fund (ITF), the Coordinating Agencies (NUC, NCCE, NBTE), Employers of Labour and Institutions. 
Funding: The Federal Government of Nigeria.
Duration: Four months for Polytechnics and Colleges of Education, and Six months for the Universities.
1.2	AIMS AND OBJECTIVE OF SIWES
(i)	To provide an avenue for students in Nigerian tertiary institutions to acquire industrial skills and experience during their course of study.
(ii)	To prepare the students for the work situation they are likely to meet after graduation. 
(iii)	To expose the students to work methods and techniques in handling equipment and machinery that may not be available in their institution.
(iv)	 To allow the transition phase from school to the world of working environment easier and facilitate students contact for later job placement.
(v)	To provide student with an opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge to real work situation thereby bridging the gap between theory and practice.
1.3	EVALUATION OF STUDENTS DURING SIWES
In evaluating students, cognizance is to be taken of the following items:
(i)	Punctuality 
(ii)	Attendance
(iii)	General attitude to work
(iv)	Respect for authority 
(v)	Interest in the field/technical area
(vi)	Technical competence as a potential technician in his field.
Completion of SIWES is important in the final determination of whether the student is successful in the programme or not. Failure in the SIWES is an indication that the student has not shown sufficient interest in the field. The SIWES is graded on a fail or pass basis. Where a student has satisfied all other requirements but failed SIWES, he/she is only allowed to repeat another four months SIWES at his/her own expense. 

CHAPTER TWO
2.0	BRIEF HISTORY OF THE ORGANIZATION 
APEX DIGITAL PRINT HUB is a well-established printing and digital service company located in Opposite Aiyegbaju Market, Osogbo, Osun State. The company specializes in high-quality digital printing, photocopying, laminating, banner design, and other related services. It was founded with the goal of providing top-notch printing solutions to businesses, students, and individuals who need professional printing services at affordable prices.
Since its establishment, APEX DIGITAL PRINT HUB has built a reputation for efficiency and quality service delivery. The company operates with modern printing machines and employs skilled workers to ensure customer satisfaction. With the increasing demand for digital printing, APEX DIGITAL PRINT has expanded its services to meet the needs of different clients, including schools, organizations, and businesses.
Services Offered by APEX DIGITAL PRINT
APEX DIGITAL PRINT provides a wide range of services, including:
1.	Banner Printing: High-quality, large-format banners for business promotions, events, and personal use.
2.	Photocopying Services: Black-and-white and colored photocopying of documents in different sizes.
3.	Laminating Services: Protecting important documents such as certificates, ID cards, and photographs.
4.	Graphic Design: Creating professional designs for flyers, posters, business cards, and other printed materials.
5.	Printing Services: High-resolution printing for documents, invitations, and promotional materials.
6.	Binding Services: Spiral and hardcover binding for reports, projects, and books.
The company is dedicated to ensuring that customers receive their orders on time and with the best quality possible. APEX DIGITAL PRINT operates in a fast-paced environment where customer satisfaction is the top priority.

CHAPTER THREE:
MAIN WORK DURING SIWES
During my time at APEX DIGITAL PRINT HUB, I was exposed to different tasks that helped me gain practical experience. These tasks included making banners, operating a photocopying machine, attending to customers, laminating documents, printing, and other general office duties. Each of these tasks required patience, attention to detail, and good customer service skills. Below, I will explain my experience with each of these responsibilities in detail.
3.1	Making Banners
One of the most interesting tasks I learned during my SIWES was making banners. Banners are used for different purposes, such as business promotions, celebrations, and events. I was excited to learn how to design and print them. At first, I thought making a banner was just about printing, but I later realized it involved many steps.
First, I learned how to create banner designs using graphic design software. The most commonly used software was CorelDRAW and Photoshop. My supervisor showed me how to select the right fonts, colors, and images to make a banner attractive. I practiced by designing sample banners before working on real customer orders.
After designing, the next step was printing. I learned how to set up the large format printer and load the banner material. The printer settings had to be adjusted correctly to avoid errors in the print. I also had to ensure the ink was enough to complete the banner without running out.
Cutting and finishing were the final steps. Once the banner was printed, I had to carefully cut it to the required size. Some banners needed extra finishing, such as adding eyelets (small metal rings) for hanging. I was taught how to use the eyelet machine to fix the rings properly.
At first, I made some mistakes, such as selecting the wrong print settings or cutting banners unevenly. However, with practice and guidance from my supervisor, I improved my skills. I also learned the importance of checking the customer’s specifications before starting any work to avoid errors.
Making banners was a rewarding task because it allowed me to be creative. I enjoyed seeing my designs come to life on a large scale. It also helped me develop patience and attention to detail, which are important skills in any business.
3.2	Operating a Photocopying Machine
Photocopying was one of the most frequent tasks at APEX DIGITAL PRINT. Many customers came in daily to make copies of documents, and I had to learn how to operate the photocopying machine properly. At first, I thought it would be easy, but I quickly realized that photocopying requires care and precision.
The first thing I learned was how to set up the machine. This included turning it on, loading paper, and checking the toner level. If the toner was low, I had to replace it to ensure clear copies. My supervisor taught me how to handle the toner properly to avoid stains on my hands or documents.
I also learned about different photocopy settings. Some customers needed black-and-white copies, while others wanted colored copies. Some wanted multiple pages reduced in size to fit one sheet, while others needed double-sided printing. It was important to ask customers exactly what they wanted before starting the photocopy process.
One major challenge was dealing with paper jams. Sometimes, paper would get stuck in the machine, causing delays. I was taught how to open the machine carefully and remove jammed paper without damaging the machine. This skill was very useful because paper jams happened often, especially when customers brought low-quality paper.
Another issue was maintaining the quality of the copies. If the glass surface of the machine was dirty, it could affect the clarity of the copies. I had to clean the glass regularly to ensure clear and sharp photocopies. Customers were very particular about quality, so I always double-checked the first few copies before continuing with large orders.
I also learned the importance of speed and efficiency. During busy hours, many customers needed photocopies at the same time. I had to work quickly while making sure the copies were correct. Good time management was essential to keep customers satisfied and avoid long waiting times.
Overall, operating the photocopying machine helped me develop technical and customer service skills. I became more confident in handling the machine, solving problems, and ensuring customer satisfaction.
3.3	Attending to Customers
Customer service was one of the most important aspects of my SIWES experience. At APEX DIGITAL PRINT, I interacted with different types of customers daily. Some were friendly and patient, while others were in a hurry or had specific demands. Learning how to communicate with customers effectively was a valuable skill.
One of the first things I was taught was how to greet customers politely. A simple "Good morning, how may I help you?" made a big difference in creating a welcoming environment. Customers appreciated being treated with respect, and this often led to repeat business.
Listening to customers carefully was also important. Some customers had detailed instructions about their printing or photocopying needs. If I did not listen well, I could make mistakes, which would lead to complaints. I always repeated their instructions back to them to confirm I understood correctly.
Handling difficult customers was another challenge. Sometimes, customers were frustrated due to delays or errors. My supervisor advised me to remain calm and professional at all times. Instead of arguing, I learned to apologize for any mistakes and offer solutions. This helped to maintain a good relationship with customers.
Another key aspect of customer service was managing multiple tasks at once. During busy periods, I had to assist several customers at the same time. This required good time management and organization. I learned to prioritize urgent tasks and work efficiently without rushing or making errors.
I also handled cash transactions when customers paid for services. I was taught how to calculate prices accurately and give the correct change. Keeping records of daily transactions was important to ensure proper accounting at the end of the day.
3.4	Laminating Documents
Laminating was another important service offered at APEX DIGITAL PRINT. Many customers wanted to laminate certificates, ID cards, photographs, and other important documents to protect them from damage.
I was first introduced to the laminating machine, which used heat to seal plastic covers around documents. My supervisor explained how to set the right temperature and carefully insert documents into the laminating pouches. If the temperature was too high, the plastic could burn, and if it was too low, the seal would not be strong enough.
I learned that documents had to be properly aligned before laminating. If a document was placed incorrectly, it could get stuck or become wrinkled inside the plastic. I had to be very careful to ensure smooth and neat lamination.
One challenge was dealing with customers who brought documents that were already folded or damaged. Laminating such documents without making the folds visible was difficult. I had to advise customers to flatten their documents as much as possible before laminating.
Another issue was preventing air bubbles. If the plastic was not properly pressed before entering the laminating machine, bubbles would form, making the document look unprofessional. My supervisor showed me a technique to smooth out the plastic before sealing.
Laminating was a simple but delicate process. Any mistake meant redoing the job, which wasted materials and time. With practice, I became more confident in handling the laminating machine efficiently.
Customers appreciated well-laminated documents because they lasted longer and looked neat. I felt satisfied knowing I was helping customers protect their important papers.

CHAPTER FOUR
4.1	PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED DURING THE PROGRAM
During my SIWES, I faced several challenges. One of the main issues was dealing with difficult customers. Some customers were impatient or unclear about what they wanted, which made it hard to satisfy their needs. However, with time, I learned how to handle such situations professionally.
Another challenge was operating some of the machines, especially at the beginning. It took time to understand how to use the printing and laminating machines effectively. At times, errors in printing led to wasted materials, which was frustrating. However, with practice, I became more confident and skilled in using the machines.
Lack of Transport Fare:  Due to the lack of transport fare, there are limited days to go for training.
4.2	CONCLUSION
My SIWES experience at APEX DIGITAL PRINT was both educational and practical. I gained hands-on experience in digital printing, customer service, and business operations. The training helped me develop important skills that will be useful in my future career.
4.3	RECOMMENDATION
Although SIWES undergone did achieve quite a lot of its stated objectives, nevertheless, the following recommendations are suggested to improve the qualitative context of the programme: 
i.	Participation of private corporate organization to minimize the problem of low funding as recently complained by the director of ITF and payment of befitting student allowance to assist in student’s finances during the period of training should be done on monthly basis and promptly.
ii.	Participation of various professional, regulatory and statutory bodies such as CPN, NCS in the supervision of students. 
iii.	Sending students specifically to establishment where the stipulated aims and objectives of SIWES would be achieved.

REFERENCES
Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme(SIWES) in Nigeria; www.martinslibrary.blogspot/2012/12/students-industrial-work-experience.html
The Industrial Training Fund (2008), Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme 	www.odich.com/itfnig/siwes.php