FG Start Enforcement Of 12-yr Minimum Age For Apprenticeship Scheme

THE Federal Government of Nigeria has maintained that a person must be 12 years of age or older to participate in an apprenticeship.

Consequently, the government on Thursday, kick started the enforcement with sensitization programmes in the six geo-political zones of the country.

The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Rt. Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha at a rally to round off the sensitization in Kugbo Furniture Market in Abuja, warned that anyone engaging an apprentice who is below the age limit of 12 is indulging in child labour which breaches the United Nation and International Labour Organization (ILO) convention and standards.

The Minister, who was represented by the Director, Skills Development and Certification Department, Mohammed Tolani Suraj under whose purview the enforcement falls in, said the policy has been clearly spelt out under Labour law cap 198 section 49-53 LFN.

She described the theme of this year’s sensitization programme as apt, noting that it will enhance job creation through skills acquisition.

The geo-political zones where the sensitization programme has been held are South-East, Umuahia, Abia State, South West, Ondo state, South South, River state, North Central, Makurdi, Benue state, North East, Gombe, Gombe state and North West, Katsina, Katsina state.

The Minister said beyond the sensitization programme, the ministry is devicing ways to boost employment generation through issuing the Trade Test Certificate of Competence to deserving beneficiaries.

To qualify for the training scheme, Onyejeocha said an apprentice must be accredited by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Department of Skills Development and Certification in order to maintain standard before training commences.

She explained that the training curriculum undergoes periodic review to conform to international best practices and technological advancement.

According to her, “Labour law cap 198 section 49-53 LFN clearly spelt out the minimum age for apprenticeship in Nigeria to be 12 years. Anyone engaging an apprentice who is below this age is indulging in child labour according to the United Nation and International Labour Organization (ILO) convention and standards.

“Our apprentices undergo oral, written and practical tests at the end of training after which the trade test certificate of competence will be issued to successful candidate at a subsidized fee.

“At our training workshop safety precautions and regulations are strictly enforced by skills Department and Certification Officers and Safety Officers of the Federal Ministry of Labor and Employment in order to avoid accidents and death.

“Apprentice must be seen to work under a good, safe and satisfactory conditions,” she declared.

Credit: Vanguard