The Industrial Training Fund on Tuesday commenced the nationwide screening of 225,000 practising artisans under its Skill Up Artisans programme, a Federal Government initiative designed to equip Nigerian tradesmen with globally competitive skills, internationally recognised certification and access to employment and business opportunities.
The Director of the ITF’s Technical and Vocational Skills Training Department, Mrs Nancy Ekong, disclosed this in Jos on Tuesday while monitoring the screening exercise for thousands of participants in Plateau State.
According to her, the exercise is being conducted simultaneously across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory as part of efforts to implement President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by improving the livelihoods of skilled workers.
Mrs Ekong clarified that SUPA is strictly for those already practising a trade and not a general empowerment scheme.
“This programme is not an empowerment programme. It is meant for practising artisans who already have skills. Whether you are a tailor, plumber, electrician or in any other trade, we are helping you improve your competence and become globally competitive,” she said.
