Reps Move to Tackle Youth Unemployment with Apprenticeship Scheme Bill
A Bill for national apprenticeship scheme has been introduced in the House of Representatives.
The bill was read at Wednesday plenary.
Sponsored by the deputy speaker of the House, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, the bill aims at giving a legal framework for the institutionalization of the apprenticeship scheme.
National Apprenticeship Scheme is a technology driven dual apprenticeship model designed to blend theoretical education with hands-on practical training.
It will be recalled that Kalu had during a courtesy call on him by Bildup Integrated Services (Bildup Africa) led by its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chibuike Aguene last month mulled the enactment of a law to formalize the scheme.
“At the 10th House of Representatives, we anchor our legislative activities
on the core principle of participatory governance. We are laser-focused on
delivering a regulatory environment that only supports entrepreneurship
development but also encourages commerce and facilitates the growth of
the economy. It is in this vein that I acknowledge the calls for supporting
legislation that institutionalizes the newly designed National Apprenticeship
Scheme.
“Our legislative process is open to constructive dialogue, and we welcome
your insights and recommendations. Together, let us work towards a bill
that bridges the huge skills gap replete across the country while being the
igniting point for an industrial revolution that Nigeria so dearly needs”, Kalu had said.
While commending a piece of technological initiative by the Bildup Integrated Services to encourage the apprenticeship system and boost skills acquisition, Kalu also pledged to sponsor 3000 youth across the federation in the first phase of the apprenticeship system to be championed by the Services in various areas of skills acquisition.
Others bills introduced yesterday by the House also sponsored by Kalu included National Eye Centre Act (Amendment) Bill; National Ear Centre Bill, 2023; National Securities Agencies Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill and National War College Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023.