Each university participating in the IAB project must select a focal person to act as the liaison between the program administrator, students, faculty, and industry partners.
The Industry Academia Bridge (IAB) project is an initiative aimed at bridging the gap between academia and industry by providing students with relevant industry experience and knowledge, thus increasing their employability. The project involves several stages, starting from selecting a focal person from each university to course completion and certificate distribution. The program aims to provide practical industry exposure and hands-on training to 3000 students in their 6th, 7th, and 8th semesters from public and private sector universities, in order to equip them with real-world experience and prepare them for the challenges of the IT industry.
Each university participating in the IAB project must select a focal person to act as the liaison between the program administrator, students, faculty, and industry partners.
The IAB project's second step involves universities selecting students based on their own criteria, such as academic performance, experience, and skills, through a selection process involving an application form, personal statement, resume, and/or interview, before training them for the industry placement.
The training for the industry placement will last four months and consist of 80 contact hours (25 theory and 55 lab work), with technical and soft skills, as well as industry-specific training, to be embedded in the existing courses of the universities and delivered by high-tech industry professionals to provide a hands-on learning experience in line with international standards.
The evaluation process in the IAB program may involve two evaluations. The first evaluation, after 8 weeks of initial training, assesses application of skills, progress, and participation, while the second evaluation at program end is a terminal exam or project measuring overall understanding, proficiency, and skill application. Final grades or certification may be determined using both evaluations' results.
After completing the IAB program, students will receive a certificate detailing the program, course duration, and acquired skills. The program administrator will distribute certificates and arrange a graduation ceremony to recognize their achievements.
The following are the available technology courses offered in this program and their target semesters.
The above-mentioned courses will be available to students during the current semester and/or summer. Each course has specific technology specifications and target semesters, as outlined in the table.
The IAB project aims to enhance students’ employability by bridging academia and industry, enabling them to gain practical skills and knowledge through collaboration with industry partners. The project comprises several stages, including selecting a focal person and completing the course, resulting in a certificate demonstrating proficiency in a specific area of technology. Through the IAB-ISTD project, universities will benefit from updated courses and industry partnerships, and students will have enhanced job prospects and preparation for the evolving technological landscape.
Theory hours/session | Practical hours/session | No. of Hours/ session | No. of sessions | Credit hours |
2 | 3 | 5 | 16 | 80 |
Some highlights from the program.
