Skillforge Fellowship: Enhancing Employability for Nigerian Youth

CLIENT:

Program Overview

The Skillforge Fellowship was designed to enhance the employability of Nigerian youth by equipping them with in-demand technical and non-technical skills critical for success in today's competitive job market. The initiative provided comprehensive training across key industries, combined with practical applications through capstone projects, personalized mentorship, and ongoing career support.

With a focus on bridging the skills gap and addressing unemployment challenges in Nigeria, Skillforge aimed to empower individuals and foster economic growth by ensuring participants were job-ready and career-focused.

Program Structure

Participant Assessment & Orientation

To kick off the program, an initial evaluation was conducted to assess participants' skills, career interests, and expectations, ensuring a tailored learning experience. This was followed by an orientation session that introduced participants to the program’s objectives, structure, and expected outcomes, setting a clear foundation for their journey ahead.

Comprehensive Training Sessions

The training was designed to align with key industries, equipping participants with relevant, high-demand skills essential for career advancement. Focus areas included technology, covering digital skills, software development, and data analysis; healthcare, emphasizing medical administration and healthcare technology; finance, with insights into financial literacy, investment strategies, and fintech applications; and agriculture, focusing on agribusiness and sustainable farming techniques. 

In addition to industry-specific training, workshops enhanced essential soft skills, including communication and teamwork for improved collaboration, problem-solving and adaptability to navigate workplace challenges, and workplace competencies such as business etiquette, time management, and professionalism.

Capstone Project & Hands-On Learning

Participants engaged in practical, industry-relevant projects, allowing them to apply the skills acquired during training in real-world scenarios. Hands-on guidance and support were provided throughout the process, ensuring they could effectively translate their knowledge into actionable solutions and gain valuable experience in their respective fields.

Personalized Mentorship & Career Readiness

Personalized one-on-one mentorship sessions were provided to help participants navigate their individual career goals and challenges. To enhance employability, simulated job interview practice and resume feedback sessions were conducted, equipping participants with the skills to present themselves effectively to employers. Additionally, support was given in networking with potential employers and securing internship opportunities, ensuring a smoother transition into the workforce.

Post-Training Support & Follow-Up

Regular feedback sessions were conducted to assess participant progress and refine training approaches for continuous improvement. Additionally, ongoing access to career resources, guidance, and support was provided even after the training was completed, ensuring participants had the tools and mentorship needed for long-term career growth.

Impact