Rahamatu-Lahi Zakaria || Sanatu Zambang
The northern regional department of the National Vocational Training Institute (NVTI) in collaboration with the Northern Regional Library Authority and Martha Inspires foundation has held a two days stakeholders engagement for master craft persons and apprentices in the northern region.
The two days of stakeholders’ engagement was under the skills upgrading workshop of master craft persons and apprentices. The stakeholders in the event included hairdressers, tailors and weavers, both the masters and the apprentices.
Speaking at the stakeholder engagement, the Northern Regional head of the informal apprenticeship of NVTI, Humaimatu Abdul Wahab said the workshop is part of the department activities to engage apprentices and their masters to learn more about the working conditions of both parties and how they can work together for mutual benefits.
She also mentioned the importance of getting the NVTI certificate. According to Madam Humaimatu, the certificate can be used to get employment in the army, police, fire service and other government institutions, the certificate she mention can be used to get admission to tertiary institutions as well.
While Martha Anabila of Martha Inspires Foundation advised apprentices not to rush into establishing their business right after completing their training. According to her, apprentices can work at home especially the tailors and the weavers while the hairdressers can also offer home services for their clients.
She also encourages the participant to improve upon sanitation and human relations towards their masters and customers.
Some participants also shared their grievances and what they needed to be done at their places of work. One of the participants who happen to be a tailor apprentice made mention needing a machine to help them learn the trade. The lack of machines was disrupting some of them from learning the job.
Other speakers at the event included Alhassan Mutaru, personnel from the Northern Regional Library Authority and Mr Kamel, the coordinator for garment association in the region among others.