LASG TRAINS GRADUATES ON SKILLS ACQUISITION
As part of its comprehensive skills acquisition initiative, the Lagos State government has embarked on a five-day modern apprenticeship training program for graduates in the State.
The programme is being held in continuation of the policy of the State Government to build a network of innovative and creative youths across the State.
Speaking at the event, the Director of Vocational and Professional Services of the Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board, LASTVEB, Eng. Laolu Oguntuyi said that government is determined to build a society of skilled and innovative youths that will be an asset to the government and the society at large.
He said in improving the entrepreneurship ability of youths and reducing the barriers associated with gainful employment in the State, there is a need for youths to be acquainted with technical and soft skills required to excel in the 21st century.
According to him, “It has been discovered that our youths are deficient of soft skills needed in today’s market, and as such, the State government is determined to instil in our graduates an innovative and creative mindset”.
The Director revealed that the first phase of the programme which is employability training will focus on self-discovery and carrier development dynamics, while the vocational training will provide the participants with training on their chosen vocational pursuit and the entrepreneurial training that will expose them to effective business ideas, business plans, and e-marketing.
Oguntuyi further explained that the initiative provides graduates with ample opportunity to be employable and self-reliant, adding that with needed information, the youths can network their ways to greater heights.
He, however, encouraged everyone to join in the crusade of embracing technical and vocational education, submitting that stakeholders and the media have integral roles to play in providing the right information to the people particularly those at the grassroots.
“As an institution, the State government is changing the perception of the society towards vocational skills acquisition because often times we perceive people that acquire vocational training as academically deficient but the reality is that everyone must have interest in vocational skills to grow as a nation”, he proclaimed.
Addressing participants during the program, the lead facilitator Dr. Ebele Nwankwo described the program as a platform which will offer practical analysis and observation of today’s society.
She said that participants would be acquainted with the required soft skills that will make them resourceful and excel in today’s society, emphasising that the youths have many inbuilt ideas that they can explore to better the society.