Abstract

Industry-Based Training (IBT) plays an essential role in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical competencies in technical and vocational education. This study examined the impact of industry-based training on the employability skills of automobile technology students in six selected Colleges of Education in North Central Nigeria. Specifically, the study examined the extent to which IBT influences employability skills, determined the relationship between the duration of IBT and students’ proficiency in technical and soft skills, and assessed the effectiveness of IBT facilities, workshops, and tools used for training. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population comprised 112 automobile technology students, from which 24 respondents were sampled. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire titled Industry-Based Training and Employability Skills Questionnaire (IBTESQ). Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and Spearman Rank Correlation were used for analysis. Findings revealed that IBT significantly enhances students’ employability skills, a positive relationship exists between IBT duration and skill proficiency, and the facilities and tools used for IBT moderately enhance skill acquisition. The study concludes that effective implementation of IBT improves students’ technical competence and workplace readiness. It recommends improved industry partnerships, longer training duration, and provision of modern workshop facilities in Colleges of Education.