By Terna Chikpa, Jalingo
The National Directorate of Employment (NDE), on Monday commenced the Basic National Open Apprenticeship Scheme training orientation for 20 selected youths in Taraba state.
Mr Christopher Bamsida, Taraba State coordinator of the directorate noted during the event in Jalingo that, the idea became necessary due to the present economic hardship, and to also achieve the NDE mandate of job creation.
According to Bamsida, understands that the importance of apprenticeship scheme cannot be overemphasised, as it is a medium that transfer knowledge of marketable Vocational skills from a mentor (Master Craftsmen/Women) to a mentee (Trainee), thereby enhancing the employability of the mentee, and as a result producing successful entrepreneurs in the country and the world at large.
The coordinator also explained that B-NOAS, is a scheme through which unemployed school leavers are recruited and posted to Master Craftsmen/Women of informal sector, as operators acquire Vocational skills for decent job opportunities.
“Considering the economic hardship being faced by the country at the moment, the Federal government through the National Directorate of Employment, in keeping to its mandate, is committed to equipping the unemployed with requisite skills, and work habits which are required for gainful employment, decent work attitude and entrepreneurship.
“NDE understands that the importance of apprenticeship scheme cannot be overemphasized as it is a medium that transfer knowledge of marketable Vocational skills from a mentor (Master Craftsmen/Women) to a mentee (Trainee) thereby enhancing the employability of the mentee.
“To achieve the NDE mandate, (20) unemployed persons have been selected in both digital and domestic Skills and have been attached to Master trainers in the selected skillsets like Graphic, Design, Programming, fashion Design and Make-up. The choice of these skillsets is a deliberate attempt targeted toward helping more unemployed in the state to align with the current economic trend in the Nation,” the coordinator explained.
Mr Bamsida urged participants to be committed to the training and acquire the desired knowledge, as it was a rare privilege to be among the selected few, targeted to create a multiplier effect and help in reducing the poverty level in the country.
The coordinator also appealed to individuals, organisations and government at various levels to collaborate with NDE to map out more ways toward reducing unemployment in Nigeria.
Responding on behalf of the participants, Mr Haruna Abubakar appreciated NDE for the gesture, and promised to be committed to training and make the directorate proud in her strive for job creation.
