According to the Global Talent Competitiveness Index (GTCI) published by INSEAD, Nigeria is one of the least talent-competitive countries on the planet; ranking 109th out of 133 countries behind Mauritius, Botswana, South Africa, Ghana, and Kenya. (Financial Nigeria) Nigeria’s low ranking in talent competitiveness indicates significant challenges in attracting, developing, and retaining skilled workers. This impacts the country’s economic growth, innovation capacity, and overall global competitiveness.
From an employers’ perspective, there are several challenges with the lack of talent competitiveness which include a shortage of candidates with the right skills and experiences for available positions. This forces employers to invest time and resources in training new hires or searching for talents outside of the Nigerian labour market. The reason for this is usually the quality of talents available in the market. Despite the large pool of candidates employers struggle to find who meet their standards of competency and professionalism. Other challenges employers often face include, mismatched expectations between employer and recent graduates, cost of recruitment and training.
While from the perspective of a recent graduate, the lack of or limited exposure to industry standards during the course of education limits the possibilities of readiness of graduates for the world of work. Graduates also enter into the job market with high expectations of themselves and their degrees assuming their degrees alone will guarantee them a job. Other challenges recent graduates face include; lack of career counselling and guidance, and possible frustrations due to unemployment or underemployment. By understanding the perspectives of both employers and recent graduates, we can better address the root causes of the education-employability gap in Nigeria and work towards sustainable solutions that benefit individuals, businesses, and the economy as a whole.
To reverse this trend and ensure that competent talents who can contribute to economic growth are readily available, significant investment in capacity development for Nigerian youths is critical. According to the Stutern The Nigerian Graduate Report 2022, approximately 600,000 graduates enter the Nigeria workforce annually. It is essential we harness the potentials of these young graduates by bridging the gap between education and employability and equipping them with the relevant skills and practical experiences. This may lead to a reduction in unemployment rates and enhance organizational productivity.
Talent Lab Limited has designed the Capacity Development, Training, and Upskilling Program (CAPTRA) to equip young professionals and outstanding graduates with the skills and experiences they need to excel in the modern workplace. We empower them with the essential skills, knowledge, and practical experiences needed to excel in their roles, drive organizational success, and contribute to Nigeria’s rise in GTCI.
Here’s why hiring CAPTRA graduates can be a game-changer for your organization.
- Comprehensive Skill Development
CAPTRA is not just another training program; it is a meticulously crafted initiative aimed at bridging the gap between academic learning and industry requirements. Over three months, participants consisting of recent graduates, and young professionals undergo rigorous training in both hard and soft skills, ensuring they are well-rounded and job-ready.
Hard Skills: Our curriculum includes specialized courses in Software Development, Applied Data Analytics for Social Impact, Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Strategies for Project Management, and Strategic Research and Grant Writing for Organizational Success. These courses are designed to meet the current demands of the job market.
Soft Skills: We emphasize essential soft skills such as communication, leadership, conflict management, and strategic thinking, which are critical for any role in today’s dynamic work environment.
- Real-World Experience
One of the standout features of CAPTRA is the focus on hands-on experience. Participants engage in real-life projects and assignments that mimic the challenges they will face in their professional roles. This practical approach ensures that young intelligent professionals who not only understand theoretical concepts but can also apply them effectively in your organization’s day-to-day operations.
- Industry Exposure and Networking
During the training, they will have the opportunity to network with top executives and professionals from leading organizations in the NGO, IT, and Development sectors. This helps them understand industry expectations and the standards that they have to maintain to excel in your organization. This way, you will not have to spend on upskilling them or lose man-hours due to the onboarding period that is required for a new hire.
- Expert Mentorship
Throughout the program, participants receive personalized guidance and mentorship from seasoned professionals in their fields of interest. This mentorship is invaluable as it helps them navigate their career paths, and build a repository of networks that your organization can tap into for growth or partnership.
- A Commitment to Lifelong Learning
CAPTRA instils a culture of continuous learning and self-improvement in the talents. By being a part of Talent Lab’s ecosystem; they will stay updated with industry trends and advancements, to remain relevant and valuable to your organization long after the program ends.
- Diversity and Inclusion
We attract a diverse group of participants from various backgrounds, fostering an inclusive environment. This allows you to engage CAPTRA graduates who will bring diverse perspectives and ideas into your organization, to drive innovation and improve problem-solving at a much lower cost to you.
- Cost-Effective Talent Acquisition
Hiring CAPTRA graduates is a cost-effective solution for your organization. Given their comprehensive training and readiness to contribute from day one, you save on the costs associated with extensive onboarding and training processes.
At Talent Lab Limited, we believe in empowering the next generation of professionals through our CAPTRA program. By hiring CAPTRA graduates, you are not only investing in capable and skilled employees but also contributing to the development of a robust talent pipeline that aligns with your organization’s long-term goals.
Ready to enhance your team with top-tier talent? Connect with us today to learn more about how CAPTRA can meet your hiring needs and drive your organization’s success. You can visit our website – www.talentlabltd.com or send us an email at [email protected] today!
