The Federal Government and the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) have set up an initiative called Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA) which is committed to up-skilling, licensing, and empowering 10 million artisans in Nigeria over the period of two years.
The initiative is led by the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite.
Nairametrics learnt that the aim is to create a focus on blue-collar jobs, asides the white-collar ones in order to align with global shifts favoring skilled labor due to technological advancements.
This will also empower artisans through tech-enabled skills training, licensing, access to essential toolkits, and promoting industry standard excellence.
The need to skill-up artisans in Nigeria
Nigeria’s population surpasses 220 million, with unemployment persisting, therefore, projections suggest the labor force will exceed 67 million by 2022, highlighting the need for ample job opportunities.
By training artisans, (skilled craft workers able to make or create material objects partly or entirely by hand), they are better able to contribute significantly to the nation’s GDP.
In other words, the better skilled they are, the better the economy.
Therefore, according to Dr. Anite, the SUPA program will address the scarcity of certified artisans by coordinating efforts for certification and licensing.
This is in line with the Federal Government’s plan to upscale unlicensed artisans, emphasizing skills development to foster societal prosperity and equality. The initiative seeks to improve service quality, promote small and medium-sized enterprises, and reduce labor import dependency, ultimately empowering 10 million Nigerians and enhancing economic development nationwide.
Objectives of the program
Dr. Anite disclosed that this intuitive will enable the Federal Government:
- Identify and categorise artisans across the different sectors of the economy.
- Provide comprehensive Industry 4.0 compliant and certified training programs, including health and safety programmes for various trades such as carpentry, masonry, plumbing, electrical work, and many more.
Artisans on the other hand, will:
- Have access to essential tools, equipment and funds to expand their trades.
- Get certified, licensed and operate using standardised methods and practices.
- Have enhanced employment opportunities in local and international markets.
Application
Non-artisans can share this registration link with artisans in their local community