As part of efforts towards reducing unemployment in the country through skills and vocational training programmes, the Industrial Training Fund, ITF, has launched a framework for National Apprenticeship and Traineeship System in the country.
Speaking at the unveiling of the the NATS document in Abuja known as “Skill For Prosperity”, the ITF, Director General, Joseph Ari said the programme is one of its policies to tackle incidences of high unemployment within the ranks of youths in the country.
He said the scheme is a double edge unemployment solution due to its potential to drastically reduce unemployment and give youths the opportunity to earn income while learning, enhance eligibility for financial assistance does not require formal education as a prerequisite.
According to him, enriching the National Apprenticeship and Traineeship System with international certification for the various vocational trades will promote balanced employment and competition amongst youths as well as serve as a viable source of foreign earnings for the country through the export of skills. Some stakeholders also spoke on the significance of the new NATS framework.
The launch of the ITF Framework for National Apprenticeship and Traineeship System is in collaboration with National Employment Consultative Association (NECA) under the Technical Skills Development Project that has trained over fifty-five thousand Nigerians.