Abstract:

Internship is an integral part of a professional course at higher education institutions, which is directed to a practical test of acquired theoretical knowledge. The term of internship also refers to the acquisition of knowledge and skills through work-based learning where the role of work-based learning is twofold. On the one hand, it enables students to deepen and expand the knowledge acquired through other forms of learning and, at the same time, testing that knowledge within the working environment. On the other hand, that experience prepares students for a world of work enabling acquisition and development of new competencies and increasing opportunities for a successful job finding. The internship experience is important for the receivers of students, i.e. potential future employers who gain insight into knowledge and skills of students-future employees and can point out to additional needs for further development of professional courses in accordance with the needs of work.

This Paper presents the results of the analysis of the attitudes of students, knowledge and their experiences acquired through internship as well as the impressions of employers on the level of students’ knowledge at the Faculty of Geotechnical Engineering of the University of Zagreb. The research was conducted on three occasions in the 2017-2019 period using the survey method with the students of the final year (the fifth year of their study) just before their entering the labour market. The employers were mostly the same, which ensured the continuity of the analysis and the basis for conclusions on the progress made in organization and quality of internship year in year out as well as recommendations for future positive shifts.

The results indicate that the topic has not been explored enough, that the approaches in organization differ from country to country, and that there is not comprehensive professional and scientific literature on this topic. There is no unique legislative framework regarding the organization and conducting of internship (work placement) in the Republic of Croatia, but these issues are regulated by internal rulebooks from institution to institution. The attitudes both of students and employers change every year. Employers increasingly insist on strengthening practical knowledge and skills of the students for quality practice performing while students strive to establish adequate communication, possibilities of independent work within the framework of the internship and participation in the teamwork.

Keywords:

Higher education, internship, work placement, engineering, labour market, economic development.