The need to equip young people with relevant skills for a rapidly changing job market took centre stage in Akure as Jobberman, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, hosted the Ondo edition of its Career Clinic.

The event, held at the FMT Event Centre, brought together students, graduates, job seekers, and career development experts to explore opportunities, gain practical career insights, and prepare for the future of work.

With the theme, “Blueprint for Success: Building Skills for the Future of Work,” the Career Clinic provided participants with career guidance, employability training, and practical skills development to help them navigate evolving workplace realities.

In his welcome address, Country Head of Programmes at Jobberman Nigeria, Olamide Adeyeye, emphasized that achieving career success in the evolving world of work requires intentionality and strategic planning. He urged young people to be purposeful in pursuing their aspirations and to take deliberate steps toward realizing their goals.

Adeyeye also challenged the youth to reassess their ambitions and develop clear, actionable blueprints for their future. According to him, the growth, prosperity, and sustainability of any successful nation largely depend on the vision, preparedness, and contributions of its younger population.

Adeyeye also called on both the Federal and State Governments to strategically position Nigeria for greater competitiveness in the global labour market by implementing policies that expand opportunities for young people and eliminate barriers driven by bias or sentiment.

According to him, “The time has come for deliberate policy reforms that will strengthen Nigeria’s reputation in the global workforce ecosystem. We must create an enabling environment that gives young Nigerians equitable access to opportunities, empowers them with the skills required for the future of work, and positions them to compete confidently and successfully on the international stage.”

In a keynote address, Senior Human Resources Professional at Johnvents Industries, Pamela Elekwachi, who spoke on the theme “Blueprint for success: Building Skills for the future of work,” urged youths and job seekers to be honest with themselves when developing their personal career plans, noting that a well-defined blueprint serves as a compass for effective decision-making.

According to her, “Financial instability does not affect only the individual; its impact often extends to family, friends, communities and the wider society. This is why young people must intentionally position themselves for growth and sustainability.”

The HR expert identified continuous learning and upskilling, strategic networking, mentorship, relationship-building, and volunteering as critical pillars for success in the evolving world of work. She explained that employers increasingly seek candidates who possess practical skills, adaptability, and relevant experience beyond academic qualifications and certificates.

Encouraging participants to seek guidance from credible career development platforms, she said, “Success becomes easier when you learn from those who have successfully navigated the path before you. Jobberman has demonstrated expertise in career development and can provide the guidance young professionals need to build and execute a strong personal blueprint for the future.”

One of the participants, ThankGod Friday, who could not conceal his excitement, described the event as an eye-opening and highly beneficial experience.

He commended Jobberman for organising the initiative and pledged to make effective use of the knowledge and skills acquired during the training.

“This programme has changed my perspective on career development and employability. I have learnt practical skills that will help me position myself better in the labour market. I appreciate Jobberman for creating this opportunity for young people like me,” he said.

Another participant, Rebecca Akinadewo, said she had a rewarding experience and thoroughly enjoyed all the sessions during the career clinic. According to her, the training on crafting a professional curriculum vitae (CV) was particularly impactful and left her feeling fulfilled.

“The session on writing a professional CV was my favourite because it exposed me to mistakes I had been making and showed me how to present myself better to employers. I am leaving this programme more confident and prepared for future opportunities,” she said.

A key highlight of the Career Clinic was a series of fireside chats on practical career skills, personal branding and job search strategies, and leveraging AI and digital tools for career growth. The sessions provided participants with actionable insights to help them navigate the evolving world of work and position themselves for success.

Other highlights of the Career Clinic included an interactive question-and-answer session, career counselling, and networking opportunities designed to connect participants with industry professionals and potential employers.

The event also attracted several distinguished guests, including representatives of the Ondo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, the Ondo State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, professional bodies, and other key stakeholders committed to youth empowerment and workforce development.