FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY,

PMB 1526, OWERRI

SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES,
DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING (BLD)

I.T REPORT ON:

STUDENT INDUSTRIAL WORK
EXPERIENCE SCHEME (SIWES) 400LEVEL
DONE AT
EKILOS ENGINEERING COMPANY NIG
LIMITED, AWKA BRANCH
WRITTEN BY:

AGBOSO
CHUKWUCHEBEM
CHISOM
REG NO. 20141930634
PRESENTED TO
 THE DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING
ON
MARCH 22ND, 2019
IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE AWARD OF BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (HONS)

DEDICATION

Dedicated to my first and greatest role model and mentor, Deacon Moses U.

Agboso, my beloved father who guides me in the path I thread today.

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

My acknowledgement goes first, to God Almighty, who kept me alive and strong
to this point of my life.

I am also grateful to my mummy and daddy for their support both financially and
otherwise.

Also, my boss, Chief Obiora Emmanuel Nweke, the Managing Director of Ekilos
Engineering (Nig) Limited, I won’t fail to acknowledge your effort in ensuring I
had a successful and hitch free internship program with your establishment.

Generally, I acknowledge everyone who played one role or the other in making
the SIWES program to be a worthwhile experience for me.
 ABSTRACT

This report covers important details of my 400 level Industrial Training

attachment at Ekilos Engineering Company (Nig) Limited as part of the Student

Industrial Working Experience Scheme (SIWES) program designed for students of

Nigerian tertiary institutions. The report covers the processes of swimming pool

construction and the concept of pool maintenance.

 CONTENTS

Dedication1
Acknowledgement 2
Abstract 3
Contents 4-5
1.0 INTRODUCTION TO SIWES
1.1 Background 6

1.2 Objectives/Aims of SIWES 7-9

2.0 DESCRIPTION OF ESTABLISHMENT OF ATTACHMENT

2.1 Brief History of Ekilos Engineering Company (Nig) Limited 9

2.2 Objective of Ekilos Engineering Company (Nig) Limited 9

2.3 Departments in Ekilos Engineering Company (Nig) Limited 10

2.4 Organizational Structure of Ekilos Engineering Company (Nig) Limited 11

2.5 Product of Service offered in Ekilos Engineering Company (Nig) Limited 12-
15

2.6 Equipment used in Ekilos Engineering Company (Nig) Limited 15-18

3.0 KNOWLEDGE ACQUIRED

3.1 Processes involved in swimming pool construction
3.1.1 What is a swimming pool? 14
3.1.2 Why are swimming pools important in buildings? 14

3.1.3 Steps involved in swimming pool construction 14-17

3.2 Concept of swimming Pool Maintenance

3.2.1 Netting 18

3.2.2 Brushing 18

3.2.3 Vacuum cleaning 18-20

4.0 SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 21-22

References 23
 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION TO SIWES

1.1BACKGROUND

The Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) was introduced in 1973
by the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), an institute established by the Federal
Government of Nigeria to carry out training programmers for students in tertiary
institutions of the country.

SIWES prepares students for employment in industries. Thus, the employers were
of the opinion that the theoretical education going on in higher institutions was not
responsive to the demands of the employers of labor. It is against this background
that the rationale for initialization and designing the scheme by the fund during its
formative years. It was introduced to acquaint students with the skill of handling
the employer’s equipment and machinery.

The ITF solely funded the scheme during its formative years. But due to the
elevated rate of financial involvement, it was withdrawn from the scheme in 1978.
In 1979, the Federal Government handed the scheme to both the National
University Commission (NUC) and National Board for Technical Education
(NBTE). In November 1984, the government changed the management and
implementation of SIWES fund to ITF. It was effectively taken over by ITF in July
1985 with the funding being solely borne by the Federal Government.

The Federal Government, ITF, the supervising agencies – NUC, NBTE, NCE
(National Commission for Colleges of Education), Employers of Labor, and the
Institutions contribute it one quarter in the management of SIWES. The various
responsibilities are as follows:

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
  To provide adequate funds to the ITF through the Federal Ministry of
Industries
 To make it mandatory for all ministries, companies and parastatals to offer
places of attachment for students in accordance with the provision of Decree
No. 47 of 1971 as amended in 1990.

INDUSTRIAL TRAINING FUND

 Formulation of policies and guidelines on SIWES for distributions to all the
SIWES participating bodies, institutions and companies involved in the
scheme.
 On a regular basis organizing programs for the students prior to their
attachment
 Receive and process master and placement list from the institution and
supervising agencies i.e. NUC, NBTE, and NCE.
 Supervise industrial attachment.
 Disburse supervisory and students allowance at the shortest possible time
 Provide insurance during student attachment/Training.

THE SUPERVISING AGENCIES

 Ensure the establishment and accreditation of SIWES units in institution

under their jurisdiction.
 Co-ordinate the appointment of full-time SIWES unit in all the institution.
 Ensure adequate funding of a SIWES unit in all the institutions of the
Federation.
 Vet and approve master and placement list of students from participating
Institutions and is been forwarded to ITF
 Monitor and review jobs-specification in collaboration with the Institutions
towards national minimum academic standard for all the programs approved
for SIWES.

1.2 OBJECTIVES / AIMS OF SIWES

SIWES is established to achieve the following objectives:

 Provide an avenue for students to acquire industrial skills and experience in

their chosen field of study.
  Provide students the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge in real
work situation thereby bridging the gap between the University work and
actual practice
 Prepare students for the future in terms of working environment and
prospect to work in teams after graduating
 Expose students to work methods and techniques in handling industrial
equipment
 Enhance students’ chances of securing jobs after graduation
 Provide Avenue for student’s interactions and facilitates exchange of idea in
school
 Enable the students to develop more affection for their chosen profession.
 Enable the university education to access the effectiveness of their
curriculum modifications

The employers benefit immensely from the SIWES Program as they could through
properly structured Program train the student in a manner that suits its company
requirements. This helps save valuable time and money expended on normal
industrial training of its recruits.
 CHAPTER TWO

DESCRIPTION OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF ATTACHMENT

2.1 BRIEF HISTORY OF EKILOS ENGINEERING COMPANY (NIG)

LIMITED.

Ekilos Engineering Company (Nig) Limited was established in the year 1987 by
Chief Obiora Emmanuel Nweke to undertake swimming pool construction,
installations, maintenance and other related services. He had served as an
apprentice and worked for over eight years in the swimming pool construction
department of the popular UTC, Lagos, now defunct.
He started the company with a total of five permanent staff and other contracted
skill men e.g. Carpenters, Masons, Plumbers, Iron benders, etc. and it has over the
years risen to a staff capacity of over 50 permanent workers.
The company over the years has so many completed project scattered all over the
country in hotels, estates, sports facilities, amusement parks and private houses.
Ekilos Engineering Company (Nig) Limited as over the years set herself in the
position of the best swimming pool company in Nigeria, if not Sub-Sahara West
Africa with her quality based approach to projects undertaken and prompt after-
construction services and support rendered to customers.
Ekilos Engineering Company (Nig) Limited has its head office in Lagos and a sub-
branch in Awka, Anambra state.

2.2 OBJECTIVE OF EKILOS ENGINEERING COMPANY (NIG)

LIMITED.
The company with the help of its veteran staff and robust management aims to
design, construct and maintain swimming pools all over the country with an
immeasurable touch of class and expertise.
Also ensuring safety, service standards, cost effectiveness and operational
efficiency are grossly maximized.

2.3 DEPARTMENTS IN EKILOS ENGINEERING COMPANY (NIG)

LIMITED.

There are basically three departments in Ekilos Engineering Company (Nig)

Limited;

1. The construction department: This department is made up mostly by

unskilled and semi-skilled workers such as carpenters, construction

laborers, construction plant operators, iron workers and masonry workers

The construction manager supervises the work of all these artisans to

ensure compliance to standards and proper adherence to processes.

2. The Maintenance department: The maintenance department comprises of a

set of unskilled laborers technically trained solely on how to carry out

maintenance (brushing, netting, vacuum cleaning and chemical

administration on pools.). They are usually assigned three or more pools

 permanently where they carry out maintenance work on behalf of the

company for clients.

3. The Installation department: This department majors in installation of

swimming pool component and parts such as the self-priming pool pump,

the water skimmers, inlet flanges, light niches, filters and electrical

equipments like transformers, switches, bulbs, pump starters, etc. The

technicians in this department are the plumbers and electricians.

2.4 ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE OF EKILOS ENGINEERING

COMPANY (NIG) LIMITED.
At Ekilos Engineering Company (Nig) Limited, the Managing Director is at the top
of the radar. He is flanked by the assistant Managing Director and the construction
manager. Next is the Supervisor, the Foremen, Cashiers, Accountant and
Receptionists. Down at the bottom of the radar are the artisans, drivers and the
maintenance boys.

2.5 PRODUCT AND SERVICE OFFERED IN EKILOS ENGINEERING

COMPANY (NIG) LIMITED.
Products and services rendered include;
 Swimming pool design and construction.

 Swimming pool maintenances.

 Swimming pool after-construction supports and services.

 Swimming pool installations and repairs.

  Sales and delivery of swimming pool chemicals.

 Sales and delivery of swimming pool construction materials such as Tiles,

Skimmers, Flanges, etc.

 Training of pool operating and maintenance personnels for Hotels and

other facilities with swimming pools.

 General consultancy

2.6 EQUIPMENT USED IN EKILOS ENGINEERING COMPANY (NIG)

LIMITED.
Equipments predominantly used are:
Excavators:
Excavators are large construction equipment that can be driven by tracks or
wheels, but tracks are standard .Excavators are used for digging the area
designated for the pool to the required depth, width and length. They are especially
used for big jobs where the use of manual labour would be time consuming and
over laborious.
Poker vibrators: This is mechanically powered equipment used during concrete
casting to vibrate the concrete in order to ensure no spaces are left unfilled in the
formwork.
Concrete mixer: This is used for mixing of concrete in order to save time and
energy. The laborers only need to dump the construction equipments into it and it
does the mixing itself. It is usually manned by an operator.
Mobile Mechanical pump: The pump is used for taking out water from the pool
in cases of maintenance or flooding (for pools under construction). It is operated
just like a Generator with pipes connected at the suction end and dipped into the
pool of water while the other end is channeled to a drainage facility or anywhere
the water is intended to flow out through.

CHAPTER THREE

KNOWLEDGE ACQUIRED

During my time with Ekilos Engineering (Nig) Limited, I was involved in multiple
trainings and hands-on experiences of which the following knowledge and
experiences were acquired;

3.1: Processes in swimming pool construction

3.1.1: What is a swimming pool?

A swimming pool is a large structure that is filled with water and is used for swimming usually made
of concrete or plastic. It is basically found in private houses, hotels, sports facilities and other
relaxation arenas like amusement parks, etc.

3.1.2: Why are swimming pools important in buildings?

The swimming pool just like every other building services aims at enhancing the
utility and fun the users of the building facility would crave. A swimming pool
offers a cool deep for any person who needs cool relaxation. It is also a facility for
exercise or sports.
3.1.3: Steps involved in swimming pool construction
Step 1: Designing of the intended pool on paper.
In Ekilos Engineering Company (Nig) Limited, the design for the intended pool is
drafted and forwarded to the client, who notifies the company once he chooses his
most desirable design. The design is usually drafted using free hand sketches as is
shown in fig. 3.1 below

Step 2: Drafting of the quotation for the work

The company’s quantity surveyor evaluates the work to determine the cost of all
the works involved in actualizing the pool project. It is usually divided in three
segments;
 Civil works: This involves all the jobs involved in actualizing the structure
of the pool. This includes the excavation, iron works, carpentry, masonry
and tiling work
 Mechanical works: This involves the plumbing components and connections
necessary for the smooth operation of the swimming pool. The skimmers,
bottom drain, pumps, filters, multiport valves and other mechanical fixtures
are included.
 Electrical works: Electrical works for the pool includes the installation of
underwater pool lights for the pool and heir wiring connections to the
swimming pools control room. The transformers for the light, the pump
starter, sockets and switches make up the remaining of the electrical
component.
After the quotation has been prepared, it is sent to the client and if he agrees
with the contract sum, the contract is signed and work commencs
immediately.

Step 3: Setting out and commencement of excavation

The next line of action is to go on site and transfer the design on the paper to
the ground and use pegs to delineate it. Excavation commences thereafter,
either with manual labour or the use of excavators.
Step 4: Blinding of the floor with mortar and commencement of iron
and wood works for the floor
After the excavation is completed, the next step is the used of cement and
sand mixed in the ratio of 1:4 to blind the floor. Water seal cement is added
as a catalyst to prevent the structure from allowing the passage of water.

After the blinding, the iron benders resume work. They place the irons on
the ground (usually 12mm) and it is referred to as ‘mat’. The separation is
usually about 6 inches. The second layer of reinforcement is laid and after
constructing it into an identical network as the ‘mat’, it is raised up using an
iron jack usually called ‘biscuits’ in Ekilos Engineering Company (Nig)
Limited. This helps to create a longitudinal separation between the two
layers.
The carpenter does the formwork afterwards, water bars are installed to be a
form of a gasket joint for the floor and wall of the pool to avoid separation
during ground movement which might lead to leakage of the pool and the
floor of the pool is ready to be casted.
Step 5: Casting of the pool floor, iron and carpentry work for the wall
and casting of the wall.
The pool floor is casted using concrete of a mixture of 1:4:4 and water seal
cement. After the concrete sets, the iron work for the wall commences. The
iron bender produces a 6-inches double iron work and binds them
thoroughly to themselves. The level of the pool is determined to ensure it s
consistent all round the pool.
The carpenter does the formwork while the plumber and electrician installs
the skimmers, bottom drain, inlet pipe flanges and the niche for the
underwater pool lights. The wall is casted using the same mix ratio of
concrete used for the floor.

Step 6: Plastering of the wall and tiling

The mason plasters the wall with a mortar of mix ratio, 1:4 with water seal
cement. The tiler tiles the walls and floor of the pool and installs bull nose
tiles for the edges of the pool. The rendering is done to improve the water
tightness of the pool structure to avoid leakages. It is done with more sharp
sand and little of the gummy sand used for plastering houses.
Step 6: Installation of plumbing pipes and electrical fittings and sending
down to the pools control rooms
The plumber does all the piping connection in the pool are and they are sent
down to the control room. The wiring for the underwater light follows.

Step 7: mounting of the pump, filter, transformer, switches

The plumber installs the pump and the filter and does any necessary
connection for the pool to work. The electrician fixes the underwater pool
lights, the transformers and the pump starter.

Step 8: Filling of water and commissioning of the pool to the client.

The pool is now filled with water and its operation started. It is then handed
over to the owner.
3.2: Concept of swimming pool maintenance
Pool maintenance primarily involves the use of the pool net, brush and
vacuum set to ensure the pool is clean and free from dirt and particles.

3.2.1: For the netting

The net is inserted at the end of the pole and is used to fish out any particle
in the water.

3.2.2: For the brushing

Insert the brush at the end of the pole and use it to scrub the tiles (both floor
and wall) especially the water level.

3.2.3: For vacuuming

This involves using the pool connectivity such as the skimmers, the pump,
filter and the multiport valve to clean the pool of all settled dirt especially
dusts and stones
These are the steps involved in vacuuming a pole:
Step 1

Turn off skimmers as noted on pipes.

Step 2

Start by attaching the vacuum hose to the vacuum head.

Step 3

Flood hose with water before placing adapter in skimmer to avoid loss of prime.
Some skimmers require you to remove the basket before you can attach the hose,
so be sure to do this if necessary. Holding one end of the vacuum line over the
return port is a good way to bleed out the air trapped in the line.

Step 4

Basically, move very slowly and methodically while vacuuming. Follow a grid
pattern to ensure all areas of the floor and slopes are cleaned.

Step 5

Disconnect the hose from the skimmer and remove vacuum equipment.

Step 6

Turn off the pump.

Step 7

Clean the skimmer basket and hair basket. The hair basket is the one located at the
pump.

Step 8

Turn filter handle to the "BACKWASH" setting, and then turn on the pump.

Step 9
Continue to let the pump run until the water in the sight glass on the filter is clear.

Step 10

Turn off the pump and set filter handle to "RINSE", and then turn on the pump for
about 60 seconds.

Step 11

Turn off the pump and return the filter handle to "FILTER".

Step 12

Turn on pump and resume normal use of the pool.

CHAPTER FOUR
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

4.1 SUMMARY OF THE EXPERIENCE GAINED

The industrial training largely exposed me to practical aspect of my field of study.

I gained a level of professionalism in handling site works and general supervision
of workers to ensure proper compliance with processes and standards

Furthermore, the practical skill acquired creates a better understanding of the

theoretical knowledge gained back in classes. This exposure creates awareness of
the general working experience, developed my interpersonal skills
4.2 PROBLEMS ENCOUTERED

 Transportation fare and feeding is solely on my shoulders except for sites

outside Awka where we use the company’s vehicle to convey us
 Most students encountered challenges with placement
 Lack of Proper Supervisions
 No university based staff visited the site where I worked to better
understand the situation of things.

4.3 CONCLUSION

Theoretical knowledge is totally different from practical skills or knowledge. This

gap so created was closed by the help of students Industrial Work Experience
Scheme (SIWES). It exposes, broadens one’s knowledge and builds an individual in
carrier pursuit thereby fulfilling its aim and objectives.

4.4 RECOMMENDATIONS

 The government should create a law that enforces industries to employ

students on industrial training. This will help eliminate the problem of
getting placement lately; thereby reduce the rate of those who could not
be trained.
 Industrial Training Fund (ITF) officials should ensure that students attached
to industries or organizations are properly supervised in other to achieve
the aims and objectives of SIWES
 There should be a mutual relationship between professional regulatory and
statutory bodies with Industrial Training Fund (ITF) team to ensure a better
training tactics for the students
 It is highly recommended that students apply in organizations that practice
their profession
 Student should let go of the mind-set that industrial training is money
making time but rather see it as a period to acquire practical knowledge.
 REFERENCES

1. Company’s brochure.
2. Wikihow.com/ask-how-to-vacuum-a-pool…