The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment has launched its Apprenticeship, Traineeship Attestation and Sensitisation Programme, with the aim of enhancing job creation through skills acquisition, in Makurdi, Benue State.
Permanent Secretary, Ismaila Abubakar, while launching the programme, said providing structured apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities for individuals across various sectors of the economy would help to meet the need for skilled workforce.
The Permanent Secretary, who was represented by the Deputy Director, Skills Development and Certification Department, Dr Tiza Shakaa, said that “the initiative is in line with Mr President’s eight points Agenda that seeks to bridge the gap of unemployment. This initiative will ultimately lead to increased employment opportunities and economic growth amongst Nigerians”.
Abubakar also stated that the Programme will focus on equipping participants with the practical skills and knowledge needed to thrive in today’s competitive job market through training, apprenticeship, and mentorship, that will give them the opportunity to develop diverse competences required in the artisans industries.
He emphasised that the programme will promote entrepreneurship, self-employment and empowering of individuals to become employers of labour.
Earlier, in a welcome address, the State Controller, Labour snd Employment, Mrs Magdalene Aminde, said Apprenticeship Traineeship and Attestation Programme is a commitment to fostering collaboration between government institutions, private sector employers, and vocational training providers, thereby leveraging on the expertise and resources of multiple stakeholders to support and promote economy development and utilization of skills within the work force.
Aminde emphasised the significance of the programme, saying, “The Apprenticeship Traineeship and Attestation Programme represents a step forward in our efforts to address the skills gap and unlock the potential of our workforce. Investing in skills acquisition and creating pathways for meaningful employment, we are laying the foundation for a more prosperous dynamic economy.”
As part of the launch, the Ministry organised a road-walk in Makurdi to sensitise interested stakeholders, including employers, training providers, and aspiring participants on the programme.
Ministry officials also visited apprenticeship hubs in the town, to create awareness and invite them to key into the Apprenticeship Traineeship and Attestation Programme.
The apprenticeship hubs include Ayatutu Tailoring Association, Wurukum GSM phone repairers hub, Tailoring Association, Hairdressers Association, Motor Mechanic and Drivers workshops, Tito Gate Catering Services and Headset repairers hub.
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