June 1 (THEWILL) — Delta State, in collaboration with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, has launched a three-week technical skills development programme aimed at empowering youths and expanding job creation opportunities in the oil and gas and construction sectors.
The initiative focuses on training participants in rigging and scaffolding, two critical technical competencies widely applied in industrial operations, fabrication yards, construction sites, and oil and gas installations.
The programme was flagged off at the Petroleum Training Institute Conference Hall in Effurun, Delta State, with stakeholders, industry representatives, and government officials in attendance.
Speaking at the event, organisers described the initiative as part of broader efforts to strengthen human capital development and equip young people with practical, job-ready skills that can improve employability and support economic self-reliance.
The training is designed to reduce youth dependency by providing technical competencies that align with real industry demands and long-term employment opportunities.
Officials noted that rigging and scaffolding remain highly specialised, safety-sensitive skills required across oil and gas platforms, fabrication yards, and major construction projects, making them valuable for workforce entry into industrial sectors.
Representatives of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board said the programme is a timely intervention aimed at addressing manpower gaps in the oil and gas industry while strengthening local capacity development.
They added that the training will help bridge the gap between certification and practical workplace competence, ensuring participants are better prepared for industry demands.
The training consultant, OROH Contractors Limited, was urged to maintain high standards of professionalism, discipline, and safety throughout the programme, while participants were encouraged to remain committed and focused.
Stakeholders at the event also described the initiative as a significant step toward improving youth employability in Delta State, noting that skills acquisition programmes like this remain critical to addressing unemployment and promoting sustainable livelihoods.
Participants were advised to prioritise knowledge, discipline, and certification, as these would determine their long-term success in the labour market and industrial sectors.
