Impact of Industrial Attachment on Vocational Skills Development Among Technical Students in Borno State

This study assessed the impact of industrial attachment programmes on vocational skills development among technical college students in Borno State, North East Nigeria. Industrial attachment, also referred to as work-based learning or industrial training, is a widely promoted strategy for bridging the gap between classroom theory and workplace practice in vocational education. The study used a pre-test, post-test experimental design, involving 200 students who completed a six-month industrial attachment and 200 students in a comparison group without attachment experience. Skills assessments were conducted using validated trade-specific rubrics. Results showed significantly higher post-attachment competency scores in electrical installation, welding, and auto mechanics among attached students, with mean score gains of 26.4 compared to 8.3 in the comparison group. Qualitative feedback from students highlighted mentorship quality, workshop environment, and supervisor engagement as key attachment success factors. The study recommends that the Borno State Government formalize attachment regulations, establish a placement support office within technical colleges, and partner with Maiduguri's growing construction and manufacturing sectors for attachment slots. Given Borno's post-conflict reconstruction context, skills-intensive industrial attachment should be positioned as a strategic workforce development tool. Keywords: industrial attachment, vocational skills, Borno State, work-based learning, technical education.