In a roadshow embarked upon by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to enlighten Nigerians on apprenticeship and processes leading to the award of an internationally recognised Trade Test Certificate which took place in Kugbo Furniture Market, the Director, Skills Development and Certification Department, Alhaji Mohammed Tolani Suraj, who represented the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment Barrister Nkeiruka Onyejeocha noted that the programme is part of strategy to raise awareness on the importance of skill acquisition and blue collar jobs in employment generation.
According to him, the roadshow, which is particularly targeted at artisans and the unemployed, is in line with the Federal Government RENEWED HOPE AGENDA to create job opportunities for the teeming population of Unemployed Nigerian Youths, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment through the Skills Development and Certification Department is sensitizing the general public and stakeholders in vocational and technical skills sector to create awareness in accordance with its mandate namely;
APPRENTICESHIP, TRAINEESHIP, ATTESTATION, CERTIFICATION, REGULATION, ENFORCEMENT, AND CONTROL.
His words: “The theme of this year sensitization programme is enhancing job creation through Skills Acquisition. We have done the same in the six geo-political zones in the following states of the country. They are:
“South-East geo-political zone Umiahia, Abia State.
South West geo-political zone Akure, ondo state.
South south geo-political zone Porthacort, River state.
North Central geo-political zone Makurdi, Benue state.
North East geo-political zone Gombe, Gombe state.
North-West geo-political zone Katsina, Katsina state.
“APPRENTICESHIP RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS
Labour law cap 198 section 49-53 LFN clearly spelt out the minimum age for apprenticeship in Nigeria to be 12 years. Anyone engaging an apprentice who is below this age is indulging in child labour according to the United Nations and International Labour Organization (ILO) convention and standards.
“During the training period, an apprentice is entitled to a stipend and sick leave, and before commencing his or her training, an agreement must be signed specifying the duration of training and settlement after training. This agreement is to be supervised by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.
“TRAINEESHIP AND ACCREDITATION OF CENTRES.
“An apprenticeship training workshop must be accredited by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Department of Skills Development, and Certification in order to maintain standards before training commences. Training curriculum must be revised periodically to conform to international best practices and technological advancement.
“EXAMINATION AND CERTIFICATION.
“Apprentice shall undergo oral, written, and practical tests at the end of training, after which THE TRADE TEST CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCE shall be issued to a successful candidate at a subsidized fee.
“REGULATION, ENFORCEMENT, AND CONTROL.
“At the training workshop, safety precautions and regulations are to be strictly enforced by skills Department and Certification Officers and Safety Officers of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment in order to avoid accidents and death. Apprentice must be seen to work under good, safe, and satisfactory conditions, “he added.
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