Assessing field practical training for skills acquisition among university business students in Tanzania: enhancing graduates' employability

Abstract

Although previous studies acknowledge the contribution of field practical training (FPT) in skill development, its effectiveness remains unclear. This study assessed the efficacy of FPT in skills acquisition among university business students in both public and private universities in Tanzania. Specifically, the study examined how FPT programmes provide university students with opportunities to learn about their intended business careers through work-related experience, the extent to which FPT helps them develop relevant practical skills, and the challenges they face in acquiring these skills. Data were collected from 514 business-related degree students across both private and public higher learning institutions (HLIs) in Tanzania. A t-test comparison of means revealed that FPT was effective in imparting practical skills to students, thus enhancing their employability. However, the challenges faced in executing FPT differed between private and public HLIs, including limited access to workplace activities, cultural disparities between academia and industry, and the lack of supportive practical training supervisors. Field students are, therefore, more likely to acquire practical business skills through internships in the private sector than in the public sector. The findings contribute to validating human capital theory across various contexts and enrich the literature on FPT experiences and skills development.