How to Fill SIWES Log Book for Building Technology (With Daily Examples & Sketch Guide)

Industrial training is a core requirement for Building Technology students in Nigeria. Under the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme, you are expected to gain practical site experience and document it properly.

Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme is coordinated by Industrial Training Fund and your logbook is official proof of your technical exposure.

If your entries are vague, incomplete, or unsigned, you risk losing marks even if you worked hard on site.

This guide explains exactly how to fill your SIWES log book correctly as a Building Technology student.

What Examiners Expect in a Building Technology Logbook

Your logbook should clearly show that you were exposed to:

• Site preparation and setting out
• Excavation and foundation works
• Concrete works and mix ratios
• Reinforcement placement
• Blockwork and structural elements
• Finishing works such as plastering and tiling
• Use of site equipment and tools

Your entries must reflect learning and participation, not just attendance.

Step-by-Step Guide to Filling Your SIWES Log Book

1. Fill Student and Company Details

On the initial pages, include:

• Full name
• Matriculation number
• Department: Building Technology
• Institution name
• Company name and address
• Name of industry supervisor
• Duration of attachment

Ensure everything is neat and correct.

2. Write Daily Entries Properly

Each entry must contain:

• Exact date
• Detailed description of activities
• Technical language
• Tools or materials used
• Short learning outcome

Always write in past tense.

Avoid vague entries such as:

“Worked on site”
“Did foundation”

Write detailed and professional statements like:

“Observed soil excavation for strip foundation and ensured trench depth was maintained at 1.5 meters according to drawing specifications.”

Sample SIWES Logbook Entries for Building Technology

Week 1 – Site Preparation

Week 2 – Foundation and Concrete Works

Week 3 – Structural Elements

Week 4 – Finishing Works

What to Draw in the Sketch Section

Include simple labeled sketches such as:

• Strip foundation trench
• Reinforcement arrangement for columns
• Dumpy level setup
• Formwork for beams or columns
• Blockwork section

Neat, labeled sketches improve evaluation.

Common Tools to Mention

Reference tools and equipment such as:

• Measuring tape
• Spirit level
• Plumb bob
• Dumpy level
• Concrete mixer
• Mechanical vibrator
• Trowel
• PPE such as helmet and safety boots

Weekly Summary Section

At the end of each week, write a short summary like:

“This week, I participated in excavation, reinforcement placement, and concrete casting. I learned the importance of proper mix ratios and supervision during compaction to ensure structural strength.”

Supervisor Comment, Signature and Company Stamp

Every week:

• Your industry supervisor must comment on your performance
• The supervisor must sign
• The company stamp must be affixed

Unsigned weeks may not be accepted by your institution.

What to Write on Days With No Work

If no activity occurred, write:

• “Nil”
• “Public Holiday”
• “Absent with permission”

Do not leave any day blank.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Filling the entire logbook at the end of training
• Writing repetitive entries daily
• Using non technical language
• Forgetting supervisor signatures
• Leaving sketch pages empty
• Submitting a dirty or damaged logbook

Practical Strategy for Accuracy

Carry a small notebook to site and record:

• Activities performed
• Tools used
• Measurements taken
• Mix ratios
• Supervisor instructions

Transfer neatly into your official logbook later.

Final Checklist Before Submission

• All dates filled
• Activities written in past tense
• Technical terms used
• Sketches included
• Weekly summaries written
• Supervisor signature and company stamp present
• Logbook neat and readable

Tired of Writing Logbook Entries Every Day?

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As a building technology student, this tool adapts to your field and saves hours.

An image showing 3 weeks of logbook entries generated by MonoEd SIWES Logbook Generator

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FAQs

1. Can I fill my SIWES logbook weekly instead of daily?

Daily documentation is more accurate. Weekly writing may cause you to forget technical details.

2. Are sketches compulsory for Building Technology students?

Yes. Simple sketches of foundation, reinforcement, formwork, or equipment are strongly recommended.

3. What if I was only observing and not actively working?

Write what you observed and what you learned. Observation is valid industrial exposure.

4. Which activities are most important to include?

Foundation works, reinforcement, concrete mix ratios, formwork erection, blockwork, and finishing operations.

5. Should I include mix ratios in my entries?

Yes. Mention ratios like 1:2:4 or 1:3:6 when applicable. It shows technical understanding.