By Steve Oko

UMUAHIA — In a strategic move to bridge the gap between academic learning and workplace demands, Jobberman Nigeria, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has trained final-year students of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, on employability and workplace readiness skills.

The programme, which targeted National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) finalists, was designed to equip students with critical soft skills, career development knowledge, and workplace competencies required to thrive in today’s competitive labour market.

Ahead of the training, a delegation from Jobberman Nigeria led by Mr Flex Kennedy, accompanied by the Head of Career Services and Skill Development Centre, Dr Joan Okafor, paid a courtesy visit to the Rector of the Polytechnic, Engr. Prof. Christopher Okoro Kalu, at the institution’s Council Chamber.

Speaking during the visit, Kennedy said the intervention formed part of a nationwide initiative aimed at preparing young Nigerians for emerging opportunities in the digital economy and other sectors.

According to him, the programme connects learning with career opportunities by exposing students to real-world workplace expectations, employability pathways, and internship prospects.

He noted that employers increasingly seek graduates who possess not only academic qualifications but also strong behavioural, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Kennedy commended the Polytechnic’s management for its commitment to practical and entrepreneurial education, citing its support for skill-based programmes such as Welding and Fabrication, Fashion Design, and other vocational disciplines that promote self-reliance and economic empowerment.

The training, held at the Polytechnic Theatre Hall, featured sessions on self-development, effective communication, time management, workplace ethics, overcoming personal limitations, and leveraging feedback for professional growth.

Urging participants to believe in their abilities, Kennedy stressed that success often begins with confidence and a willingness to seize opportunities.

One of the participants, Mitchell Ihendu, an ND II student of Public Administration, described the programme as impactful and timely.

She praised the facilitators for their interactive approach and the use of pre-training and post-training assessments to measure learning outcomes.

“The programme broadened my understanding of what employers expect and provided practical insights into professional growth and career success,” she said.

Ihendu also lauded the prompt issuance of certificates and thanked the Polytechnic management for approving an initiative that exposed students to valuable real-world experiences beyond the classroom.

The training is part of the ongoing efforts of Jobberman Nigeria and the Mastercard Foundation to tackle youth unemployment by equipping young people with the skills, confidence, and knowledge needed to secure meaningful employment and contribute to national development.