FG initiates ‘Electropreneur’ scheme for youths

The Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo has disclosed the implementation of a presidential initiative tagged ‘National Power Sector Apprenticeship Scheme’ (NAPSAS) to train artisans, lines men, joiners, fitters and machinists that would enable them acquire skills needed in the new power sector. Nebo who disclosed this recently at a stakeholders’ forum organised to fine-tune its implementation said the proposed programme would help provide “fulfilling career opportunities to youths, who may later become “Electroprenuer” thereby employing more people into their growing businesses.” "It will also filling the technical gap that could be created if we fail to learn from the mistake in oil and gas sector in which experienced serious gap in local content,” Nebo added.

He challenged the sector operators to embrace this initiative saying, “it is an apprenticeship scheme, young people are to be trained in all aspects of the electricity value chain, it is expected that after the one year training they would have acquired handsome experience and skill that will enable them take their rightful positions in the sector.” He noted that the scheme will take similar strategies the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) are using to expose the trainers to proper and practical training through the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN). “Young people are happier if they are skilful and employable, even some will be trained in renewable energy like repairs of solar panels,” Nebo added. The Minister of State, Mohammed Wakil spoke on the need to incorporate ICT application to guarantee professionalism adding that, “the new set of people to be trained are coming to fill technical gaps at a digital age. DAILYTRUSTWEEKEND