CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION
The Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) for the 2018/2019
kicked off in the month of August 2019 and was to be concluded six months later,
January 2020. The Industrial Attachment program is solely aimed at improving the
working skills of students in tertiary institutions as well as effecting learning,
participation and observation of the actual implementation of theories put in
practice in various fields with respect to programs and courses being studied in
school. This scheme serves as an opportunity for students to grasp very useful
practical knowledge which not only makes them employable but also in the perfect
understanding of theories and operations in their different majors. The program is
of very high importance considering the lack of adequate practical materials for
learning in most Nigerian tertiary institutions and is self-proven as it has been part
and parcel of the country’s system of education for over 25 years.

1.1 THE HISTORY OF SIWES

SIWES was set up by the Federal Government of Nigeria to close the gap between
theoretical laws taught in the classroom and actual practice for students in tertiary
institutions. It was first kicked off and funded by the Industrial Training Fund
(ITF) between 1973 and 1974. Since its introduction by the ITF in 1973 the
scheme has gone through series of reforms. Its management has changed hands
from the ITF in 1978 to various regulatory agencies such as National Universities
Commission (NUC) and National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) in 1979,
National Commission for College of Education (NCCE) and now back to the ITF
again in 1985. These are the major stakeholders in (SIWES). Consequently,
SIWES Program introduced into the curriculum of tertiary institutions in the
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country as far back as 1974 with 748 students from 11 institutions of higher
learning and the scheme has over the years contributed immensely to the personal
development and motivation of students to be able to understand the important
connection between the taught and learnt content of their academic programs and
what knowledge and skill will be expected of them on professional practice after
graduation.

1.2 OBJECTIVES OF SIWES

The Industrial training funds policy document no. 1 of 1973, which established
SIWES outline the objectives of the scheme. The objectives are to:
1. Provide an avenue for students in institution of higher learning to acquire
industrial skills and experience during the course of study.
2. Prepare students for industrial work situation that they are likely to meet
after graduation.
3. Expose students to work methods and techniques in handling equipment and
machinery that may not be available in their institutions.
4. Make the transition from school to the world of work carrier and enhances
students contacts for later job placements.
5. Provide students with the opportunities to apply their educational knowledge
in real work situations, thereby bridging the gap between theory and
practical.
6. Enlist and strengthen employer’s involvement in the entire educational
process of preparing university graduates for employment in industry.

1.3 MISSION AND VISION OF SIWES

The vision of SIWES is to prepare students to contribute to the productivity of
their nation. Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme has the potential of
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increasing the scope and variety of technical skills in the common pool or general
stock available for the industrial development of Nigeria. Therefore, harnessing the
potentials of SIWES for Industrial, Technological and Economic development
however demands that the three major SIWES stakeholders or actors(Students,
Institutions, Employers) be empowered to fully participate and cooperate with one
another in implementing the scheme.

1.3.1 BENEFITS OF INDUSTRIAL TRAINING TO STUDENTS

The major benefits accruing to students who participate conscientiously in
industrial training are the skills and competencies they acquire. This is because the
knowledge and skill acquired through training by students are internalized, and it
becomes relevant, during job performances or functions. Several other benefits
include:

1. Opportunity for students to blend theoretical knowledge acquired in the

classroom with practical hand-on application of knowledge required to
perform work in industry.
2. Exposes students to the working environment, i.e. to enable them see
how their professions are organized in practice.
3. Prepare students to contribute to the productivity of their employers and
nation’s economy.
4. Provision of an enabling environment where students can develop and
enhance personal attributes such as critical thinking, creativity, initiative,
resourcefulness leadership, time management, presentation of skills and
interpersonal skills.

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5. Prepares students for employment and makes transition from school to
the work environment easier after graduation.
6. Enables student bridge the gap between the acquired skills in the
institution and the relevant production skill required in the work
organization.
7. Enables students contact with potential while on training.

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 CHAPTER TWO

2.0 OVERVIEW OF MONIER CONSTRUCTION COMPANY (M.C.C)

Monier Construction Company (Nigeria) Limited is a leading Civil Engineering

and Construction Company in Nigeria with a solid reputation acquired over a
period of five decades. We are a member of the federation of building and Civil
Engineering Contractors in Nigeria.

Monier Construction Company (Nigeria) Limited is one of the early entrants in

Nigeria’s construction industry having been present since 1955 and incorporated in
1957 as a Building and Civil and Engineering Contractor with Head Office at Mile
7, Rumuigbo, Ikwerre Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

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Fig 1: Monier Construction Company (M.C.C) Nig. Limited, Port Harcourt.
It parades state of the art equipment in Road Construction, Building and other key
sectors of the Construction Industry of the Company, at the time of incorporation
in 1957, was wholly owned German Company, but with the passage of time
Nigeria investors acquired interests in MCC. Today, we can proudly state that
MCC is truly Nigerian, owned by Nigerians and managed by Nigerians.

Monier Construction Company (Nigeria) Limited has maintained a healthy

presence in the South East, South-South, and other parts of the country, where we
have completed and delivered quality projects on schedule and budget.
As we look forward to winning more contracts, we have confidence in our
technical and financial ability to meet up with the demands of OUR MAJOR
CLIENTS.

Cashes Policy: It is our policy to provide and maintain a safe working environment
for employees, who are our most valued assets as well as for third-party personnel.
The safety of our employees is our utmost priority and all safety equipment must
be provided before any job is carried out.

All staff of MONIER CONSTRUCTION COMPANY NIGERIA LIMITED shall

be medically fit. We shall maintain an insurance policy against any liability that
may result in case of any personnel suffering any impairment to health resulting
from and out of our operations. The company's retained clinic shall handl hie all
routine medical and emergency cases.

As an essential part of the overall company's management, MONIER

CONSTRUCTION COMPANY NIGERIA LIMITED takes responsibility of
security of all personnel, clients' representative and third parties in all our work
sites and premises.
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In carrying out our operations, MONIER CONSTRUCTION COMPANY
NIGERIA LIMITED shall plan and execute it in such a manner as to eliminate
adverse effects or impacts on the environment. Our operations shall be essentially
environmental friendly.

MONIER CONSTRUCTION COMPANY (NIGERIA) LIMITED shall identify

with the needs and aspirations of her clients and the host communities in the
execution of its operation. We shall liaise with clients' host community(s) relevant
government departments and others to ensure safe and peaceful working
environment.

Harmonious relationship shall be maintained with clients and community(s) where

there are conflicts; peaceful dialogue shall be employed to resolve areas of
disagreement. MCC shall contribute to the fight against HIV/AIDS in collaboration
with the Government

2.1 SERVICES

I. ROADS

Road construction is an increasingly significant of MCC’s operations. The

company’s many achievements in the sector in recent years have aided flavor to its
reputation. Some of its compiled projects include thousands of kilometers of urban
and rural roads and highways.

II. WATER

MCC has over the year garnered extensive and intensive expertise in hydro-
technical developments and construction.

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The company has accumulated vast experience in irrigation, land preservation,
drainage, flood control, borehole sinking, water supply and sewage disposal.

It brings in rich technical expertise to bear on the building of hydro-technical

structures, dams, weirs, reservoirs, elevated water tanks, main pipe lines and
distribution networks, as well as drainage and sewage systems, treatment of plants
and pumping installations.

III. BUILDINGS

MCC undertakes the construction of buildings of all types – commercial,

residential, industrial, schools, hospitals, hotels, offices, etc.

The Company has a record of completing numerous building projects across the
Country, including many complex, high tech and breath-taking buildings. Some of
the buildings were turn-key projects, involving feasibility studies, preliminary and
detailed design, construction, procurement, equipment installation, etc.

2.2 MCC’S ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

All of MCC’s activities on a particular Project are undertaken by specific

departments which can be divided into major categories which are;

 Services:-
This comprises of non-technical departments.

 Operations:-
Comprises of technical departments.

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Figure 2 shows the diagrammatic representation of the organizational structure of
MCC.

Chairman/CEO

Executive Director General Manager

Company Secretary
Plant Manager
Admin Mgr. Accountant

Personnel
Acct.
Officer
Officer Elect. Engr. Mech. Engr. Civil Engr.

Cashier Super.(Elect) Super.(Mech) Super.(Civil)

Electrician Mechanics Masons

Clerical Officer Typist

Carpenter Labour
Receptionist

Cleaners
Messengers
Gateman

2.3 MCC’s DEPARTMENTS

The various departments in MCC and their functions with respect to project
executions are:

2.3.1 NON TECHNICAL DEPARTMENTS

 Administration and Personnel:

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 Harnesses human and material resources and set out ways of utilizing them
in order to maximize profit.
 Business Development:
Sourcing for business via bids or otherwise to ensure company growth.
 Finances and Accounts:
Treasury management, billings, accounting and financial management.
 Cost Control:
Carries out the task of cutting short cost during project execution.
 Wages:
Carries out the task of paying worker salaries, wages, pensions, IOU’s and
other benefits.
 Sick Bay:
Treats minor injuries gotten by workers while working on site.
 Security
 Store Keeper
Keeps stocks of machines and parts of all equipments used for repairs in the
company.

2.3.2 TECHNICAL DEPARTMENT

This department is subdivided into sections which I would elaborate on since most
of my working activities was with this department.

The technical department is headed by a Workshop Manager (Plant Yard

Coordinator), whose duty is to regulate the workshop activities of each section
with the primary aim of meeting the management specifications. He relates
management ideas to the section heads which in turn relates to their subjects etc.

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The various sections in the technical department include;

Light Car Mechanics

This section repair faulty cars used by workers for company purpose. They usually
specialize in the engines of light cars, inclusive in this section is a panel beater
whose duty is to repair body work of vehicles(cars, buses, pickup .etc.) using skills
such as metalworking techniques, welding, use of putty fillers, and other skills etc.

Figure 3: The Light Car section

Auto-Electrical Section

This section work on all vehicle electrical systems and components, including
ignition, fuel injection and engine management systems, anti-lock braking, battery,
wiring and charging systems, heating and air conditioning systems, lighting and

indicators etc.

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Figure 4: The Auto-Electrical section

Lorry Mechanic Section

This section perform a variety of tasks on heavy-duty trucks, large construction

vehicles, buses and tractor trailers. They inspect, diagnose and repair brake
systems, engines, electrical components, steering systems, transmissions and tires
etc.

Industrial Electrical Section

This section is headed by an Electrical Engineer. Their duty is to install, maintain,

test, troubleshoot and repair industrial electrical equipment and associated
electrical and electronic controls. They maintain the electrical facilities of the

company. They also play a huge role in the building of Batching Plant and Asphalt
Plant since it's a construction company.

Figure 5: Industrial Electrical section

Machine Operator/Plumbers section

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This department comprises of technicians who fabricate faulty equipment parts for
replacement. This section makes effective use of lathe machines, cutting machines

etc. The section is conjoined with the plumbers who install and repair water supply
lines, waste disposal systems, and related appliances and fixtures to keep the work
environment flow smoothly.

Figure 6: Machine Operators/ Plumbers section

Welding Section

The duty of this section is to analyze and understand blueprints (designs), select
the best type of equipment and method to weld specific metals, prepare and
mounting pieces of metal according to the design and welding them together .

Figure 7: Welding section

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CAT Section

This section is comprised of a team of expert mechanics who inspect, repair,

carryout overhauling and general maintenance on heavy duty equipment such as
wheel loader, excavator, dump truck, backhoe, fork lift and any type of diesel
engine. They ensure heavy duty equipment are at their best for use.

Figure 8: CAT section

Vulcanizer

This section is responsible for any repairs, maintenance or servicing of the

companies vehicle tyres. This services can range from pumping the tire to repairing
wear and tear on the tires of cars as well as heavy duty equipment.

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Figure 9: Vulcanizers section

Operators

This section is made up of skilled operators who operate heavy machinery such as
bulldozer, fork lift, excavator, wheel loader etc., using their in-depth knowledge in
the control of these heavy duty machines to assist in construction sites and any
plant yard operations that require their expertise.

Figure 10: Operators working at the Concrete Batching site

Precast/Lab/Carpentry Section

This section primary duty is to produce concrete for construction. They batch
concrete for the site workers on a daily basis.

Logistics Section

This section primary duty is planning, implementing and controlling supply chain
resources, generally from the point of origin, such as raw material (concrete,
asphalt, pillars etc., to the point of destination, i.e. delivering goods to the correct
location on the construction site. This section is headed by a professional engineer

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who ensures that equipment are well maintained for use. The section is also in
charge of transporting staffs.

CHAPTER THREE

3.0 INVOLVEMENT, WORK DONE AND EXPERIENCE GAINED

It was truly a great experience working for six months at MCC. The system

permitted me to alternate between different engineering working departments after

some weeks. This has greatly improved my general perception of what

Engineering and quite particularly Electrical Engineering is all about. My

involvement and participation are detailed below.

 Industrial Installations and Wiring.

 Maintenance and Repairs of Work Tools and Electrical Machines.

3.1 INDUSTRIAL INSTALLATIONS AND WIRING

This is the networking system or arrangement of cables for the free flow of current

in a circuit.

3.1.1 Types of Wiring Includes:

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 1. Conduit Wiring: This is the process where electric cables are arranged

systematically in a wall through the use of PVC pipe in order to transfer

energy from one point to another in a circuit.

2. Cleat Wiring: This is a system of wiring done in an industry with the help

of a cleat chip made of different types of groove.

INTEGRITY TEST: This is the process of testing completed electrical

installations to verify that the system will operate efficiently and safely. The tests

are extensive, as defined in the institution of Electrical Engineers regulations. They

can only be carried out by a competent person, i.e. a qualified electrician or

Electrical Engineer. This tests are undertaken by visual inspection and the use of a

multi-meter to measure the resistance.

The following test are an essential part of the processing:

1. Dead Test: This is the process of testing completed installations without

power supply. The aim is to test the continuity to ensure integrity of the live,

neutral and the earth conductors without bridging (short circuit). Testing the

insulation to ensure that there is a high resistance between live, neutral and

earth conductors. Testing polarity to ensure all switches and breakers are

connected to phase, live conductors.

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 2. Live Test: This is the process of testing completed installation with power

supply. The aim is to know the load that is connected to each circuit, each

phase and entire 415V that is supplied. During this test for earth loop to

know the effectiveness of the installation earthing system.

3.2.2 MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS OF MACHINES

During my industrial training at MCC, I was involved in many maintenance and

routine checks.

Some of the work maintenance I was involved in was:

 Electric Concrete Vibrators

A concrete vibrator is a mechanical device to generate vibrations. The vibration

is often generated by an electric motor with an unbalanced mass on its

driveshaft. Concrete vibrator consolidate freshly poured concrete so that

trapped air and excess water released and the concrete settles firmly in place in

the formwork. Improper consolidation of concrete can cause product defects,

compromise the concrete strength, and produce surface blemishes such as bug

holes and honeycombing. An internal concrete vibrator is a steel cylinder about

the size of the handle of a baseball bat, with a hose or electrical cord attached to

one end. The vibrator head is immersed in the wet concrete.

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Figure 11: Maintenance of a Concrete Vibrator

 Three-Phase Electric Motor

A three phase motor has two main parts: the rotor, which turns, and the stator

that turns it. The rotor is often called a squirrel cage because it consists of a

circular network of bars and rings that look a bit like a cage connected to an

axle. The stator consists of a ring with three pairs of coils, evenly spaced around

the rotor.

Each pair of coils is attached to one phase of power. Because they are all out of

phase with each other, they set up a rotating magnetic field that spins around the

stator at a continuous rate. The moving magnetic field creates a continuing

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 moving current inside the rotor. This current always lags slightly behind the

field in the stator.

Three-phase motors are designed to run on the three-phase alternating

current(AC) power in many industrial applications such as Batching Plants.

Figure 12: Rewinding completed for a 3-phase. 6HP, 415V, 50Hz Electric Motor.

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Figure 13: Connection of the 3-phase, 4mm cable to test run the Motor.

3.3 BATCHING PLANT INSTALLATION, OPERATIONS AND

MAINTENANCE

3.3.1 Operation/ working of concrete batching plant

Working principle of concrete batching plant is dependent on five primary

functions:

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  Aggregate feeding: Aggregates and sand have to be fed into the individual

feeder bins.

 Powder feeding: Powder here refers to cement, fly ash and additives. These

are important components for binding of material.

 Water: Water will help cement bind evenly with aggregate. Specific

quantity of water is must for any ready mix.

 Storage and Conveyance: Storage and conveyance here refer to storage of

cement, fly ash, etc. They have to hold up quantity in bulk and transfer small

quantity by screw conveyor to the weighing hoppers.

 Control System: Control system is very critical for any advanced machine.

It makes operation fast and accurate.

Concrete batching plant process flow will start from feeding of aggregates into

individual bins. Size wise aggregates have to be fed into individual bins. These

aggregates will be weighed individually as per design set in the control panel.

After weighing they will be transferred to the mixing unit. Above the mixing unit

there are weigh hoppers for cement, additive and water. The job of the weigh

hopper is to weigh and then transfer the contents into the mixing unit below.

Cement is transferred to the weigh hopper by means of screw conveyor. Water is

pumped up into the weigh hopper. After mixing for a specific time as set in the

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mixing unit, the mixer will discharge the contents into the transit mixer or a

concrete pump.

All the above processes are carried out carefully and systematically. Each process

is carried for a specific time frame. The time frame starting from the weighing of

aggregates to the discharge of the ready mix material is known as batch time.

3.2.2 Components of Concrete Batch Mix Plant

A concrete batch mix plant has a number of parts and accessories that combine and

work together to produce quality concrete. Some of the major components are as

below:

 Aggregate feeders- Feeding unit is one of the important components. There

are bins located side by side to facilitate feeding of coarse aggregates and

sand. The different numbers of bins there which will hold different sized

aggregates/sand into different compartment. The reason behind putting each

material (size wise) into separate bins is that each material will be weighed

separately as per designed mix ratio.

 Aggregate weigh conveyor- Weigh conveyor usually below the aggregates

feeders. It suspended and hanging on load cells. It is to weigh aggregates one

by one and then transfer the same to charging conveyor of skip. Aggregates

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 are discharged to the weigh conveyor by opening and closing of pneumatic

cylinders.

 Charging conveyor/ Skip- It’s task is to carry the weighed aggregates to the

mixing unit.

 Cement weigh scale- This scale holds the cement in small quantity that is

transferred from the cement silo/ hopper via a screw conveyor. Its task is to

weigh the aggregates prior to dispatch into the mixing unit.

 Water weigh scale- This scale recieves water from the water pump. It will

hold the water and weigh the water as per the recipe set in the control panel

and then add the water into the mixing unit.

 Cement silo/ hopper with screw conveyor- Cement silo is to hold large

volumes of cement that comes in bulk trucks. It is usually provided with

safety accessories. A screw conveyor of suitable diameter and length is at

the bottom enabling transfer of cement into the cement hopper. Bags of

cement has to be placed on top of the hopper and once they are torn, cement

will fall into the hopper.

 Mixing unit- This unit is the heart of the concrete batch plant. Its task is to

receive the ingredients and mix them thoroughly for a fixed time and then

discharge it into a concrete mixer truck.

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 Air compressor- An Air Compressor is a device that converts power (using

an electric motor, diesel or gasoline engine) into potential energy stored in

compressed air. It forces more and more air into the storage tank increasing

the pressure. When tank pressure reaches its engineered limit, the air

compressor shuts off and when its lower limit, the air compressor turns on

again and re-pressurizes the tank.

 Control panel- Control panel controls the operations of the batch plant. The

control panel assists in fast and accurate measurements of the ingredients.

They are equipped with PLC panel for ease of usage.

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Fig 15: Installation of an Air Compressor.

CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED AND POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS

4.1 Problems Encountered

 Unavailability of Project design and Analysis of already started projects.

 Unavailability of companies own Computer system and software for design

practice.

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  Lack of proper orientation to the staff about my being in the company for

SIWES, as some staffs sends me on unnecessary errands.

 Compatibility issues of software version and operating system.

4.2 POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS

4.2.1 FOR PROSPECTIVE INTERNS

1. Prospective interns should begin early in search of companies where they

can secure IT placements. This will help them get a place on time.

2. Prospective interns should not secure placements based on amount the

company will pay. But should secure placements based on the experience to

be gained.

4.2.2 FOR THE COMPANIES

1. MCC should try to increase stipends of students on training in their

organization to help them ease the burden of transportation and feeding.

2. The company should endeavor to provide materials on theoretical aspects or

manuals for students so as to study fully the work that is being done.

3. Constant supervision should be made available for students so as to

minimize errors and mistakes.

4. Companies should communicate to staff on the roles of IT students which is

to learn and not to be sent on menial errands.

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 4.2.3 FOR THE INSTITUTION

1. The school should assist students in getting IT placements.

2. The institution should endeavor to communicate to the companies on the

roles and responsibilities of the IT students.

CHAPTER FIVE

5.0 SUMMARY & CONCLUSION

5.1 SUMMARY

The purpose of the SIWES program is to bridge the gap between classroom and the

industries so that the student will be prepared for the task ahead after their

schooling. So these six (6) months SIWES program has exposed me to real

installation and maintenance works, it has also helped in bridging the gap between
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the classroom and real life practical engineering situations. This industrial training

has really given me an insight to the task that lie ahead of me in my chosen career

“Electrical/Electronic Engineering”. This Industrial Training Report has been

aimed to picture the various task that is being carried out in the industry in the field

of Electrical/Electronic Engineering, the skill acquired and the challenges on the

aspect of Innovation and Creation in order to make the world a comfortable place.

5.2 RECOMMENDATION

 I will recommend that more Electrical Engineering students be posted to the

organization for their SIWES.

 Students should ensure to be posted in time so as to get enough knowledge

of what they should learn at their respective workplace.

 The ITF should ensure frequent visit if supervisors to the companies where

students are posted so as to ensure students are serious during the duration of

their Industrial Training.

 The main essence of the scheme should be made known to the companies, so

that students are not assigned to tasks that are not of benefit to his/her career

development.

5.3 CONCLUSION

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The SIWES has positively contributed to my training as a future

Electrical/Electronics Engineer. At SIWES workplace i.e., Monier Construction

Company, I was able to reconcile theoretical principles learnt in school with real

Electrical/Electronic Engineering design practice.

I also learnt about the proper maintenance of electrical power tools, participated in

the rewinding and installation of 3-phase Electric Motors, installation of a new

Batching Plant. Equipment sizing, preparation of material take-off and bill of

quantities.

SIWES gave me the opportunity to learn about good work ethics, good

interpersonal and communication skills.

REFERENCES

 “Guide to successful participation in SIWES” by Engr. Olusegun A. T Mafe,

2009

 Company Profile. Monier Construction Company. Retrieved from

www.mccng.com

 Student Industrial Work Experienced Scheme 2019 handbook.

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