Terraskills to Train 1000 Nigerian Graduates on Employability Skills (GES) Programme

The unemployment rates are increasing in a geometric progression; according to the NBS, the unemployment rate rose to 33.3 % in the fourth quarter of 2020, up from 27.1 % in the second quarter of the same year. This alarming increase can be likened to a double-edged sword. On one end young people build their enterprise to employ others, on the other end, the rate of crimes and other vices increase with the increase in the number of idle youths. Some stakeholders argue that the rate of unemployment will reduce drastically if Nigerian graduates have the prerequisite skills for the workplace.

The dearth of employability skills has been attributed to unemployment in many quarters. The problem of graduates’ employability remains a continuing policy priority for higher education policymakers in many economies. These concerns have been given renewed focus in the current climate of wider labour market uncertainty. Policymakers continue to emphasise the importance of ‘employability skills in order for graduates to be fully equipped in meeting the challenges of an increasingly flexible labour market.

Although there are many other factors, studies have shown that of all the factors militating against graduate employability, the dearth of employability skills stands tall. It is no longer news that the higher institutions have not been able to prepare the Nigerian graduate for the changing and demanding landscape of the workplace.

Terraskills GES Programme the Solution to Unemployment

As means of solving this challenge, Terraskills Learning Systems researched and developed a Graduate Employability Skills (GES) Programme which is “poised to arm and equip graduates with requisite 21st Century skills and emotional intelligence necessary and sufficient for 21st Century living, for self, business, community and the nation.”

Terraskills aims at training 1000 Nigerian graduates of Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of education by 2023. The target is to equip these graduates so that they can compete favourably, get employed and have a meaningful life. The main slogan for Terraskills empowers 1000 is Get Skilled, Go for Internship and Secure your Future.

According to the General Manager, Prince Donald Ejieke Ogbuwa, the slogan (i.e 3 step approach) is a game-changer for any graduate who wants to get employed in a reputable organisation.

Eligibility Criteria

To be deemed eligible, applicants must be:

• a Nigerian,
• a graduate of any University, Polytechnic, College of Education or equivalents.
• preferably be resident in Abuja (for the maiden edition); with sponsorship, candidates outside Abuja may be considered.
• unemployed at the moment.
• available for the duration of the training (2-months).

Application and screening process

The application portal for the maiden edition is currently open. The application opens on the 14th of July and Closes on the 11th of September 2021.

The selection of applicants will be based on fulfilling the eligibility criteria. Participants will be carefully selected through a rigorous process that will ensure only qualified candidates are selected.

Applicants will have to fill in their information, take a pre-assessment test, and write an ‘indication of interest essay’. Selected applicants will be invited for a physical interview. Successful candidates are shortlisted and will take an entry behaviour assessment and a self-discovery and behaviour re-orientation.

Curriculum and Method of delivery

The GES model includes 12 carefully crafted modules designed to fit the needs of Nigerian graduates. The modules will be delivered using lectures, discussion, simulations, role-play, games and case studies. The modules will be delivered through a dedicated faculty of experienced, committed, skilled and disciplined staff using appropriate and state of the art training and instructional facilities and equipment for quick and optimal results.

The GES model was developed to meet the needs of applicants and employers of labour; it stems from holistic research of employers needs and the need to deliver a standard training and learning model different from what is attainable in the Nigerian Educational System. The unique problems of the Nigerian Graduate; and the factors surrounding his/her inadequacies; was on the front burner of GES model development.

The GES model aims at supporting the educational and social inclusion of fresh Nigerian Graduates through a mechanism of orientation, tutorial action, practical classes provided on a one-on-one basis.

The purpose of the GES Model

The GES model aims at fulfilling these purposes;

• To create successful learners with:
  • enthusiasm and motivation for learning
  • determination to reach high standards of achievement
  • openness to new thinking and ideas
  • and will be able to use literacy, communication and numeracy skills
  • use technology for learning
  • think creatively and independently
  • learn independently and as part of a group
  • make reasoned evaluations
  • link and apply different kinds of learning in new situations.
• To create confident individuals with:
  • self-respect
  • a sense of physical, mental and emotional wellbeing
  • secure values and beliefs
  • ambition and able to relate to others and manage themselves
  • pursue a healthy and active lifestyle
  • be self-aware
  • develop and communicate their own beliefs
  • live as independently as they can
  • assess risk and make informed decisions
  • achieve success in different areas of activity

• To create effective contributors with:
  • an enterprising attitude
  • resilience
  • self-reliance and able to communicate in different ways and in different settings
  • work in partnership and in teams
  • take the initiative and lead
  • apply critical thinking and new contexts
  • create, develop and solve problems.

• To create responsible citizens with:
  • respect for others
  • commitment to participate responsibly in political, economic, social and cultural life
  • understand different beliefs and cultures
  • make informed choices and decisions
  • evaluate environmental, scientific and technological issues
  • develop informed and ethical views of complex issues.

Where is GES taking place?

Our dedicated faculty of experienced and dedicated facilitators handle all GES training. The training will take place in Terraskills Learning Systems Limited, No 14 Sunyani Street, Wuse Zone 1, Abuja.

Benefits for registering for Terraskills GES Programme

• Interested individuals will have access to over 80% tuition discount
• As well as access to 1-month practical employability skills training
• And 1-month internship in a reputable organization
• They will also have access to a pool of highly resourceful networks, mentorship and access to free shared space and internet.
• Throughout the training, participants will have access to Terraskills fun filled adventure and hiking experience with the Terraskills team.

Other benefits are;

• Improved social and emotional skills
• Stimulate the development of interest and curiosity
• Developing a positive attitude to learning
• Gain a better understanding of career option and job roles
• Improve self-awareness and stimulate commitment to self and others
• Stimulate the contributory/collaborative mindset

It is our hope at Terraskills that each GES participant will have a different story at the end of the training. Therefore, register now!

Application for Terraskills GES Programme opens on the 14th of July and Closes 11th September 2021

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