The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) is gearing up to admit the next batch of artisan trainees for the second phase of its Skill Up Artisans Program (SUPA). This development comes on the heels of the successful completion of the pilot phase, and applications are now being accepted for the next phase.
According to ITF Director General, Dr. Oluwatoyin Afiz Ogun, the Skill Up Artisans program was launched to bridge the skill gap in Nigerian industries. The program aims to empower artisans with tech-driven training, official licensing, access to essential toolkits, and promote industry standards to elevate skills, enhance craftsmanship, and drive professional excellence across sectors.
*Key Objectives of SUPA:*
– _Upskilling Artisans_: Enhance the skills and capacity of Nigerian artisans to meet international standards.
– _Promoting Entrepreneurship_: Empower artisans to become entrepreneurs and job creators.
– _Addressing Unemployment_: Contribute to reducing unemployment in Nigeria by providing training and job opportunities.
*How to Apply:*
Interested applicants can register on the SUPA portal (_(link unavailable)) and follow the application process outlined on the website. The program is open to Nigerian artisans who want to acquire new skills or enhance their existing ones.
The ITF has also announced plans to partner with international awarding bodies to ensure that certifications obtained through the SUPA program are recognized globally. This initiative is part of the federal government’s efforts to promote vocational training and skills development in Nigeria.
