The Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) is a vital part of academic programs in many technical and professional courses. It provides students with hands-on experience in real-world work environments bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
One of the key requirements of SIWES is the logbook where students record their daily activities learning experiences and technical skills gained during their industrial training. This topic provides a detailed guide on how to fill a SIWES logbook correctly along with a sample format to help students organize their entries efficiently.
1. Understanding the SIWES Logbook
What Is a SIWES Logbook?
A SIWES logbook is an official record book used by students to document their daily activities and technical experiences during their industrial training. It serves as a proof of participation and helps employers and supervisors evaluate the student’s progress.
Why Is the SIWES Logbook Important?
- Tracks daily work and tasks performed
- Demonstrates the student’s technical growth
- Acts as an assessment tool for supervisors and lecturers
- Serves as a reference for future career opportunities
Who Needs a SIWES Logbook?
Students in fields such as engineering computer science business administration environmental science and medical laboratory science often participate in SIWES and are required to maintain a logbook.
2. Structure of a SIWES Logbook
The logbook typically consists of the following sections:
1. Cover Page
- Name of Institution
- Student’s Name
- Matriculation Number
- Course of Study
- Name of Organization (Where the Internship Is Done)
- Industrial Supervisor’s Name
- Date of Commencement and Completion
2. Daily Work Activities Section
- Date
- Description of Work Done
- Tools or Software Used
- Challenges Faced
- Supervisor’s Comment
3. Weekly Summary
At the end of each week students are expected to summarize:
- Major tasks completed
- Key lessons learned
- New skills acquired
4. Supervisor’s Remarks
- Comments from the industry supervisor about the student’s performance
- Areas of improvement
5. Final Report
At the end of the industrial training students usually submit a final report summarizing their overall experience challenges faced and lessons learned.
3. How to Fill a SIWES Logbook Correctly
Step 1: Start Each Entry with the Date
Every workday ensure you begin with the correct date before writing about the activities performed.
Step 2: Clearly Describe Daily Tasks
Provide a detailed but concise description of the work done. Use professional language and focus on key tasks related to your field of study.
Example:
Date: Monday 8th July 2024
Task: Assisted in network troubleshooting and system configuration. Installed software updates on office computers and tested network connectivity.
Step 3: Mention Tools Equipment or Software Used
List any machines tools or software used during the task.
Example:
Used Cisco Packet Tracer for network simulation and Microsoft Excel for data analysis.
Step 4: Note Challenges Faced
If any difficulties were encountered mention them and describe how they were resolved.
Example:
Faced difficulty in setting up the new firewall configuration but resolved it with guidance from the IT supervisor.
Step 5: Include Supervisor’s Remarks
Leave space for your supervisor to sign and add comments on your performance.
Example:
“The student showed great enthusiasm in troubleshooting network issues. Needs improvement in advanced configurations.” – Supervisor’s Signature
Step 6: Weekly Summary of Learning
At the end of each week write a summary of what you learned including new skills acquired.
Example:
Week 1 Summary:
Learned about basic networking concepts IP addressing and firewall configurations. Developed troubleshooting skills in diagnosing network failures.
4. Sample of a Filled SIWES Logbook Entry
Cover Page Sample
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | John Doe |
| Matric Number | 2023/CSC/1234 |
| Course of Study | Computer Science |
| Organization | XYZ Technologies Ltd. |
| Supervisor’s Name | Engr. James Smith |
| Training Duration | 6 Months (July – December 2024) |
Daily Entry Sample
| Date | Task Description | Tools/Software Used | Challenges & Solutions | Supervisor’s Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08-07-2024 | Assisted in troubleshooting network connectivity issues and configured routers. | Cisco Packet Tracer Windows Server | Faced IP addressing conflict resolved by reconfiguring subnet masks. | Excellent troubleshooting skills. Needs more exposure to VLAN configurations. |
| 09-07-2024 | Installed and updated security software on office computers. | McAfee Antivirus Windows Defender | Software compatibility issues resolved by updating system drivers. | Good job! Keep improving security configurations. |
Weekly Summary Sample
Week 1 Summary:
- Learned about basic networking and troubleshooting techniques.
- Gained experience in configuring routers and resolving IP conflicts.
- Developed hands-on skills in network security and system maintenance.
5. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filling a SIWES Logbook
1. Writing Vague Entries
Avoid general statements like “I worked in the office today”. Instead provide specific details about your tasks.
2. Not Updating the Logbook Regularly
Fill in the logbook daily to ensure accuracy. Waiting until the last minute can lead to missing details.
3. Skipping Supervisor’s Signature
Ensure your industrial supervisor signs your logbook at the end of each entry. This serves as proof of your participation.
4. Using Informal Language
Use professional and technical terms related to your field instead of casual descriptions.
5. Missing Out on Weekly Summaries
Summarizing your weekly progress helps in organizing your final report.
The SIWES logbook is an essential record-keeping tool for students undergoing industrial training. A well-filled logbook not only helps students track their progress but also serves as a valuable document for future job applications.
By following the correct structure providing detailed daily entries and ensuring supervisor approval students can complete their SIWES logbooks effectively. Whether you are in engineering IT business or medical sciences maintaining an accurate logbook enhances your professionalism and technical knowledge.
