As forward looking countries develop strategic competitive advantages for its citizens as it concerned the acquisition of knowledge and skills for the world of work, Technical Vocational Education Training of their human capital base is proving to be a vital resource.
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) described Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) as concerned with the acquisition of knowledge and skills for the world of work. TVET, as part of lifelong learning, can take place at secondary, post-secondary and tertiary levels and includes work-based learning and continuing training and professional development which may lead to qualifications.
Experts say the availability of competent and qualified trainers is a critical issue; and there needs to be internship opportunities for trainees to demonstrate knowledge and skills during the theory stage of TVET programmes. A strong collaboration with industries is required in drafting a curriculum that meets their skill requirements so apprentices will have the industry-required skills.
Oladayo Orolu, Head, business development, Siemens Limited avers that lessons from other economies that have experienced rapid growth in industrialisation suggest that technical, vocational, and professional skills that require higher cognitive abilities, adding that this will need to be produced to support Nigeria’s economic growth and development.
Orolu opines that implementing TVET schemes require strong financial commitment, stressing that government must take the lead in investing in the schemes to make it attractive for private sector organisations to participate and patronise. “The lack of a comprehensive system for certification of competencies is a key challenge; TVET Centers must be accredited by the Government and issued Certificates benchmarked with existing degrees and awards, to earn the required recognition in the labour market. Education curriculum at secondary and tertiary institutions should be properly aligned to Industry needs; otherwise, it creates a weak linkage between the town and gown”, he said.
He added TVET helps individuals to make transitions between education and the world of work, to combine learning and working, to sustain their employability, to make informed choices and to fulfil their aspirations. TVET contributes to social cohesion by enabling individuals to access labour market, livelihood and lifelong learning opportunities.
According to him, “As Nigeria prepares to join the rest of the World for Industry 4.0; it has become apparent that the absence of skilled workforce will be a critical bottleneck”.
He further opines that in 2015, Siemens cooperated with Tata in India for the setting up of a training centre. The centre has a yearly intake of 108 trainees. Similarly, as part of the Egypt mega power project, Siemens went into strategic alliance with the Egyptian government resulting into setting up a training centre and rehabilitation of another vocational school. Within a period of 4years, more than 5,000 trainees would be recorded along major trades.
“Siemens is able to support Nigeria replicate these successes through cooperation with the Federal Government and/or reputable industrial conglomerates to produce technically skilled workforce to meet the present and future skill requirements of Industry 4.0 and bring youth unemployment to minimal levels”, he said.
The latest report from the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics put unemployment rate at 23.1percent as of Q3 2018, an increase of 23 percent from 18.8percent in Q3 2017. Under-employment rate was 20.1 percent while youth unemployment and/or under-employment stood at 43.3 percent.
The high rates of youth unemployment and under-employment has made it imperative for government and private sector stakeholders to adopt far reaching methods and initiatives to create jobs for the young populace. Nigeria has a rare opportunity of a relatively youth population compared with other countries, particularly in Asia. This offers opportunities for industrialisation and rapid economic growth arising from availability of labour.
One of the reasons for increasing unemployment rates in Nigeria is the lack of appropriate skills for available jobs. In 2016, the World Bank “Skills for Competitiveness and Employability” report examined the demand in priority economic and job growth sectors and how to ensure the right skills are available.
Oladayo Orolo
Oladayo Orolo, works with Siemens Nigeria
