The National Directorate for Employment (NDE) has launched its Advance National Open Apprenticeship Scheme for Vocational Skills in Rivers State.
The training covers 46 beneficiaries drawn from various local government areas of the state.
Speaking during the official kick-off of the scheme at the weekend in Port Harcourt, the Acting Director General; Mallam Abubakar Nuhu Fikpo, represented by the State Coordinator, Mr Udoh Alfred Udoh, charged beneficiaries of the programme to leverage  on the opportunity given them to remedy Nigeria’s economic situation and become gainfully employed.
The Director General explained that skills acquisition was capable of triggering economic development as it is presently in developed nations of China and Japan.
On his part, the Director of Vocational Skills Development Department, Mr Fakunle Julius, represented by Mr Igwesi Onyekwelu, advised participants to make good use of the free opportunity to acquire the skills.
He said that resettlement items or starter packs and loans would be given to graduate apprentices who demonstrate seriousness during the three months period of training.
He urged participants to take their training seriously through dedication and prompt reporting for trainings.
Present at the orientation ceremony were the Head of Department, Vocational Skills Development in Rivers State, Mrs Biraye George, state management team members, and master trainers on fashion design, computer, catering, electrical installations and auto mechanics.