TVET Programme graduates cohort of master crafters and artisans, launches online platform for apprenticeships

*Research Links and Nerdzfactory, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, are set to graduate the first cohort of trained and vetted artisans and tradesmen under the pioneering Technical and Vocational Education Training Programme, in Lagos

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

Research Links and Nerdzfactory, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, are set to graduate the first cohort of trained and vetted artisans and tradesmen under the pioneering Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) Programme.

The event will take place Saturday, November 9, 2024, at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Building, Alausa, Ikeja, in Lagos State.

A unique digital platform aggregating local apprenticeship opportunities will be also launched during this event.

Mrs. Eme Young, Research Links Programmes Coordinator

This TVET Programme implemented by Research Links and Nerdzfactory supports the elevation of indigenous technical and vocational training for young people and MSMEs through tailored training and business support programmes for expert artisans and master crafters.

The core objective of the programme is to deepen opportunities for local apprenticeship among young people as well as provide opportunities to support artisans’ businesses thereby eliminating systemic barriers hindering access to quality apprenticeship opportunities for young trainees, artisans and tradesmen while encouraging best practices and work policies.

The programme component includes the launch of a unique digital platform where trained and vetted craft men and women will be aggregated online for easy public accessibility.

To date, over 200 vetted artisans and tradesmen in three local government areas in Lagos; Ikeja, Ifako Ijaiye and Agege have been selected for the programme and supported with business development trainings.

The programme aims to onboard many more artisans in the coming months, expanding its reach and impact.

Key business areas that the vetted artisans and tradesmen were trained in include digital literacy, operations and financial management and good workplace practices.

Speaking on this, Mrs. Eme Young, Research Links Programmes Coordinator, said, “our partnership with the MasterCard Foundation in implementing this programme is dedicated to ultimately supporting more young people – especially young women- access dignified and fulfilling work.

“To achieve this, the support provided to the master crafters is highly critical in ensuring the sustainability of their businesses and elevation of opportunities for the provision of quality services to the general public.”

Ade Olowojoba, NerdzFactory Director, said: “Local artisans and tradesmen especially women in the informal sector are mostly disenfranchised with lack of opportunities for technical upskilling and reskilling to enable them to compete with their peers in today’s world.

“This ultimately affects the quality of their knowledge and the work learned from them by millions of young apprentices in the country.”

Olowojoba stated: “The average artisan or tradesmen trains approximately 2 to 3 young people especially young women each year, scaling this programme will enable us provide more tailored support to all participants with expected impact across communities and areas where this intervention will be implemented.”