Sterling Bank Plc said through its employment initiative, it had empowered over 4000 participants in its ‘Get Ready for Work’ seminar.
This year’s edition, which was the third in the series, had representatives from 12 reputable human resources firms including Jobberman. At the event, candidates were shortlisted for various jobs and also, an array of accomplished entrepreneurs and high flying career individuals were available for assistance.
Also, THISDAY reported that, this year’s edition had a psycho-analyst analysing behavioural and personality traits of the attendants to know those suited for work force, roles they would play in organisations, those who should steer towards creativity and those better off as entrepreneurs.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, the Group Head, Strategy & Corporate Communications, Sterling Bank, Mr. Shina Atilola said: “We discovered that when you analyse Nigeria’s labour market, there is a disconnect between the demand and supply. We also realised that some who are qualified but not employable because there are no structures to prepare them for work environment and also no institution is teaching on Entrepreneurship. On that basis, Sterling Bank started this program ‘Get ready for work’ series.”
He also said this seminar had over 3,000 people registered, saying that over 4,000 were present. This, according to him was a clear indication that there are a lot of willing applicants with no jobs. Also he added that some applicants would be divided into master classes with seasoned Entrepreneurs, high flying career individuals
Atilola added: “We have brought in accomplished entrepreneurs to mentor them for example, the founders of Jobberman and Wakanow. Also we have people who have grown over time in their respective careers. We have about 12 HR firms here and some people would be shortlisted today for employment and our other partners like Wakanow and other Nigerian based companies willing to take some of these applicants in and some would start their businesses.”
He also added that as fallout of last year’s “get ready for work,” the bank gave grants to people who have started their businesses. One got N2.5 million, N1.5 million, N1 million and another N500,000.
Also, a facilitator, the Chief executive officer, Red Media, Mr. Chude Jideonwo said: “We would share skills and knowledge that can help them as they get into the work space because there are so many young unemployed people.”
Other speakers included the Publisher, TW Magazine, Mrs. Adesuwa Onyenokwe, the CEO Wakanow, Mr. Obinna Okezie , the Brand Manager, Heineken, Mrs. Ngozi Nkwoji, a HR Consultant, Mrs Detoun Ogwo and a life coach Mr. Jerome Onipede.
Posted by Janice Johnson
