As part of his Civic Engagement initiative, Uchenna Igboeme launched a training programme aimed at empowering 50 young individuals with the skills to become job creators, effectively source for the right job opportunities, and maximize the potential of the resources around them. The workshop took place on August 30, 2024, at the Centre for Memories in Enugu, Enugu State, in collaboration with the venue’s management. The event saw an encouraging turnout, with 23 participants actively engaged in the programme.
Core Objective:
The core objective of this civic engagement initiative was to address the pressing issues of unemployment and unemployability, focusing on bridging the knowledge gap. Through this effort, Uchenna Igboeme sought to empower young individuals with the right skills and insights to navigate the competitive job market, ultimately equipping them to become not just job seekers but job creators. Recognizing that many young people face barriers not just due to a lack of opportunities, but also due to a lack of preparation and understanding of how to position themselves for success, this initiative aimed to bridge that critical gap. By providing practical tools, knowledge, and guidance, the goal was to help participants unlock their full potential and take advantage of opportunities, both locally and remotely, to improve their livelihood.
Key Outcomes:
The journey began with identifying the challenges participants were facing in their quest for meaningful employment. Through conversations and assessments, it became clear that a staggering 85% of the attendees lacked the proper knowledge and preparation to secure the kind of job they desired. This revelation underscored the urgent need for structured training and support in key areas such as personal branding, job application strategies, and interview preparation.
To address these gaps, Uchenna shared his own career experiences, providing firsthand insight into the skills and attitudes necessary for career success. He worked closely with each participant to help them craft compelling Curriculum Vitaes, ensuring they were equipped to present themselves effectively to potential employers. Additionally, he led practical sessions on interview preparation, offering tips on how to stand out in interviews and highlight their strengths. For those unfamiliar with professional networking, he assisted several participants in setting up LinkedIn profiles, a powerful tool for career growth and opportunities in today’s digital age.
One of the key aspects of the workshop was educating the participants on how to access high-paying jobs without having to leave their homes. In today’s global economy, remote work is becoming an increasingly viable option, and he emphasized how they could leverage their skills and the power of the internet to find freelance or remote job opportunities. This shift in perspective was eye-opening for many, showing them that career success doesn’t always require migration (“Japa”) to other countries.
Moreover, he stressed the importance of volunteering as an avenue for personal and professional growth. Volunteering not only helps develop in-demand skills but also enhances networking and builds credibility in the job market. Several participants expressed interest in volunteering as a way to gain experience and improve their employability.
The results of the training were promising. Seven out of the 23 participants who attended the workshop have successfully secured jobs. Among them, some landed positions as Virtual Assistants, while others found better-paying jobs in various sectors. This tangible success demonstrates the effectiveness of the initiative in addressing unemployment and unemployability.
Furthermore, five participants have taken the step to volunteer in different organizations, gaining valuable work experience that will no doubt enhance their future career prospects. During a recent visit, he had the opportunity to check in on two of these volunteers, and it was heartening to see them thriving in their roles and applying the knowledge they gained from the workshop in real-time.
Way Forward / Next Steps:
To ensure continued growth and development, he created a group for the participants, where we regularly interact and engage in discussions aimed at nurturing their skills and offering mentorship. This group serves as a platform for ongoing learning, sharing opportunities, and providing guidance as they continue their journey toward professional success. He also intends to hold follow-up sessions to further address any challenges they may face as they progress in their careers.
He is deeply grateful to the EPLF for providing him with the platform and resources to expand his own leadership skills and knowledge of civic engagement. This initiative has not only made a positive impact on the participants but has also been an enriching learning experience for me. He does not take this opportunity for granted, and he looks forward to continuing this work and empowering more young people to reach their full potential.
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