The Industrial Attachment Programme - History, Benefits, Challenges and its Adoption in Zimbabwe - A Review

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Marglet

Tertiary education increasingly uses industrial attachment as a training methodology across public and private sectors. During the industrial attachment phase, students connect classroom theory with real workplace practice and develop professional conduct. This review examines the history of the Industrial Attachment Programme (IAP) and outlines benefits for students, tertiary institutions, host organizations, and industry stakeholders. It also discusses challenges affecting key players and proposes ways to improve implementation to enhance positive multipliers while reducing IAP costs.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages9

Reading Time23 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

History of the Industrial Attachment Programme (IAP)

Adoption of IAP by Institutions of Higher Learning in Zimbabwe

Benefits Derived from the Industrial Attachment Programme

Challenges Faced by Stakeholders during IAP

Strategies for Improving the Industrial Attachment Programme

Conclusion

References

Asian Journal of Education and Training Vol. 6, No. 3, 412-420, 2020 ISSN(E) 2519-5387 DOI: 10.20448/journal.522.2020.63 .412.420 © 2020 by the authors; licensee Asian Online Journal Publishing Group The Industrial Attachment Programme - History, Benefits, Challenges and its Adoption in Zimbabwe: A Review J. Dondofema 1 􀀣 J. Mwenje2 L. Musemwa3 1Shamva Agricultural College, Shamva, Bindura, Zimbabwe. 2Department of the Graduate School for Business Administration, Bindura Bindura, Zimbabwe. 3Department of Agricultural Economics, Education and Extension, Bindura Bindura, Zimbabwe. University of University of Science Education, Science Education, (􀀣 Corresponding Author) Abstract Tertiary education institutions are seen to be increasingly incorporating industrial attachment asa training methodology. This is happening with the private and public sectors. It is of the view that during the industrial attachment phase, the student is accorded an opportunity to marry theory learnt in the classroom with the real field of work. Among other training methodologies, industrial attachment was found to be key with respect to professional etiquette doing extremely well in combination with other methodologies. This review paper covers history of industrial attachment, benefits derived from the Industrial Attachment Programme (IAP) by the students, tertiary education institutions, host organizations and the industry at large. The paper also highlights challenges faced by key players in the circle of the IAP. The review will assist in improving the way institutions of higher learning, government departments and host organizations conduct the programme to enhance the multiplier positive effects and minimize the costs of the IAP. Keywords: Benefits, Challenges, Host organisation, Industrial attachment, Students, Tertiary education, Training methodology. Acknowledgement: All authors contributed to the conception and design of the study. Funding: This study received no specific financial support. Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interests. Transparency: The authors confirm that the manuscript is an honest, accurate, and transparent account of the study was reported; that no vital features of the study have been omitted; and that any discrepancies from the study as planned have been explained. Ethical: This study follows all ethical practices during writing. Contents 1. Introduction .................................................................................................................................................................................... 413 2. History of the Industrial Attachment Programme (IAP) ...................................................................................................... 413 3. The Adoption of the Industrial Attachment Programme by Institutions of Higher Learning in Zimbabwe ............ 415 4. Benefits Derived from Industrial Attachment Programme .................................................................................................. 416 5. Challenges Faced by Stake Holders during Industrial Attachment Programme.............................................................. 418 6. Strategies for Improving the Industrial Attachment Programme....................................................................................... 418 7. Conclusion ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 419 References ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 419 Contribution of this paper to the literature The paper brings forth history, development and adoption of the Industrial Attachment Programme emphasizing the Zi

FAQs

What does industrial attachment enable students to do during the IAP phase?

Industrial attachment gives students an opportunity to combine theory learned in classrooms with real fieldwork experience.

Which groups benefit from the Industrial Attachment Programme (IAP)?

The paper identifies benefits for students, tertiary education institutions, host organizations, and the industry at large.

What challenges does the review emphasize in relation to the IAP?

The review highlights challenges faced by key players involved in the IAP cycle and explains that these issues affect effective participation and outcomes.

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Marglet