Jobberman, a leading Nigerian career development and recruitment solutions company, has launched an ambitious initiative to empower the youth of Akwa Ibom State. Partnering with the Mastercard Foundation, Jobberman aims to train and upskill over 30,000 young people aged 18-35 who are currently unemployed or underemployed. This comprehensive training program focuses on two key areas: soft skills development and entrepreneurship. The program demonstrates Jobberman’s commitment to bridging the employment gap and fostering economic growth within the region.
The soft skills component of the training equips participants with essential skills for navigating the professional world. Modules cover personal effectiveness, time management, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, problem-solving, CV writing, and effective job interview techniques. These skills are designed to enhance employability and improve prospects for securing formal employment. By addressing the specific needs of employers, Jobberman aims to make young people more competitive in the job market. This focus on practical skills development recognizes the importance of not just academic qualifications, but also the interpersonal and professional skills required for workplace success.
Parallel to the soft skills training, Jobberman also offers an entrepreneurship and small business development course. This component focuses on equipping aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools they need to launch and manage successful businesses. Participants learn how to write comprehensive business plans, effectively package their products or services, navigate legal aspects of business ownership, and understand the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. This dual approach acknowledges that not all young people seek traditional employment and provides a pathway for those with entrepreneurial aspirations to create their own opportunities.
Jobberman’s initiative directly responds to the prevailing challenges of unemployment and underemployment in Nigeria, particularly within Akwa Ibom State. The program recognizes that many university graduates struggle to find suitable employment, often due to a perceived gap between academic qualifications and practical skills. By providing free access to this training, Jobberman seeks to equip young people with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in both formal employment and entrepreneurial ventures. This initiative aims to not only improve individual livelihoods but also to contribute to the overall economic development of the region by fostering a skilled and entrepreneurial workforce.
The program is designed to be impactful and sustainable. The first phase of the project, implemented in other states, upskilled 2.3 million young people and created job opportunities for 500,000. Building on this success, the second phase, which will run until 2029, aims to reach even more young people in Akwa Ibom State. Jobberman’s commitment to long-term engagement is evident in its plans to host career fairs, career clinics, and forums specifically designed for people with disabilities. These initiatives demonstrate a holistic approach to addressing the diverse needs of the youth population and ensuring inclusivity in employment opportunities.
The program has received strong support from local authorities and community partners. The Chairman of Uruan Local Government Area, Surv. Iniobong Ekpenyong, emphasized the importance of the training and encouraged participants to fully utilize the acquired skills to become productive members of society. The positive impact of the program is already being felt by participants like Peace Edet, a fashion designer who gained valuable insights into customer relations and business planning. The program’s success hinges on the collaboration between Jobberman, the Mastercard Foundation, local government, and the active participation of the young people themselves. This collaborative approach ensures that the training is relevant, accessible, and effectively addresses the specific needs of the community.
