By Aderogba George
Advocacy for Positive Behavioural Patterns Initiative (APBPI), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO),
has urged parents to prioritise vocational skills training for their children to reduce the rate of unemployment in the society.
The APBPI Communications Director, Mrs Lilian Mann, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Tuesday.
She said parents must begin to shift focus to vocational skills by equipping their children with practical skills and hands-on experience.
Mann said parents must also begin to prepare the children for in-demand careers and emerging industries, foster strong work ethic,
creativity and problem-solving skills.
She added that “we must unlock the full potential of the young people, if parents fail to prioritise vocational skills, they are perpetuating skill gap
that will leave young people unemployable.
“Parents are missing out the children on the economic benefits of skilled and adaptable workforce if they do not prioritise vocational skills for their children.
“As parents, educators and stakeholders, we have a responsibility to prepare our children for success in an ever-changing world.
“With a population of over 220 million, it’s crucial that we prioritise vocational skills training for our children, the future leaders of our nation.”
Mann listed some benefits of vocational skills training to include reducing unemployment and poverty rate, increased economic growth and development.
Others are improved standard of living and enhanced global competitiveness. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)