Introducing: OPL Academy’s Apprenticeship Program

The Nigerian construction industry has long struggled with a significant skills gap, resulting in the hiring of incompetent workers and poorly executed projects, sometimes leading to building collapses. According to a report by the Nigerian Institute of Building, many Nigerian skilled workers lack the necessary skills and experience to perform their duties competently. Despite widespread complaints, concrete steps to address this issue have been lacking. So, what can be done to tackle this problem?

In universities, students often participate in industrial training during their penultimate or final year to gain practical experience. Similarly, in the blue-collar sector, people traditionally learn under a mentor as apprentices. However, there is a need to formalize apprenticeship in the construction industry to ensure artisans receive standardized, industry-relevant training.

OPL Academy is taking proactive steps to bridge the skills gap in Nigeria’s construction sector through its Apprenticeship Program. We are seeking employment partners to take on students from Government Technical Colleges for a 6-month to one-year apprenticeship. This program will give participating companies the opportunity to nurture a talent pipeline, build long-term sustainability, and help reduce the skills gap in the construction industry.

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Photo by Emmanuel Ikwuegbu on Unsplash