The Ishk Tolaram Foundation is encouraging better teamwork between the government, businesses, schools, and other partners to improve technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in Nigeria. This is important to help young people find jobs and prepare for the changing job market, especially with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). Recently, 500 young people graduated from a program that taught them practical skills like fashion design, carpentry, plumbing, and solar installation. The graduation event focused on how important it is for these young graduates to combine their technical skills with soft skills, real work experience, and support for starting businesses. During the ceremony, 15 graduates received business grants to help them start or grow their businesses, with awards ranging from 100,000 to 1.5 million Naira. The foundation has trained over 2,000 young people, with many now employed or running their own businesses. The Program Director, Oje Ivagba, emphasized that while AI will change how work is done, many hands-on jobs will still need human skills like creativity and problem-solving. He encouraged graduates to view their certificates as just the beginning of their learning journey. The foundation's program offers free training, tools, and safety equipment to help young people gain skills without financial burdens. It includes three months of training followed by three months of practical work experience, often with paid internships. The Senior Program Manager, Abiola Oyeneye, highlighted that the program not only teaches technical skills but also focuses on developing soft skills and a strong mindset to help participants succeed in the workforce. He urged young people to embrace technology rather than fear it, as it can enhance their work. Experts at the event also encouraged young Nigerians to take responsibility for their own training and to not overlook skilled trades in favor of trendy tech jobs. They stressed the importance of continuous learning and adapting to new technologies to stay competitive in the job market.
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