If you are a Nigerian graduate who has been mobilized and deployed for the one year mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program, you might be wondering what skills you can learn during your service year.
The good news is that the NYSC has a program called Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) that is designed to equip you with valuable skills and entrepreneurship training. The SAED program aims to promote self-reliance and encourage you to start your own businesses.
The SAED program consists of two phases: the in-camp phase and the post-camp phase. The in-camp phase is where you get introduced to various skill acquisition programs that are available in your orientation camp.
The post-camp phase is where you get attached to organizations or mentors that can provide you with further training and mentoring in your chosen skill.
List of Skill Acquisition Programs in NYSC Camp
The SAED program covers over 50 different skills that are grouped into 12 sectors. These sectors are:
- Agro-Allied
- AutomobileBeauty and Wellness
- Building and Construction
- Cosmetology
- Culture and Tourism
- Education
- Environment
- Film and Photography
- Food Processing and Preservation
- ICT
- Power and Energy
Some of the specific skills that you can learn under each sector are:
- Agro-Allied: Fish farming, poultry farming, snail farming, beekeeping, crop production, etc.
- Automobile: Auto mechanics, auto spraying, auto electrical, vulcanizing, etc.
- Beauty and Wellness: Hairdressing, barbing, makeup, spa therapy, massage therapy, etc.
- Building and Construction: Carpentry, plumbing, tiling, painting, welding, etc.
- Cosmetology: Soap making, perfume making, cream making, detergent making, etc.
- Culture and Tourism: Bead making, basket weaving, pottery, tie and dye, etc.
- Education: Teaching, tutoring, coaching, etc.
- Environment: Waste management, recycling, landscaping, gardening, etc.
- Film and Photography: Videography, photography, editing, script writing, etc.
- Food Processing and Preservation: Catering, baking, confectionery, juice making, etc.
- ICT: Web design, graphic design, digital marketing, programming, etc.
- Power and Energy: Solar installation, inverter installation, generator repair, etc.
How to Apply for SAED in NYSC Camp
To enroll in any of the skill acquisition programs in your orientation camp, you need to do the following:
- Attend the SAED sensitization lecture that will be held during your orientation course. You will learn more about the SAED program and the benefits of acquiring a skill.
- Visit the SAED exhibition stand where you will see the various skills on display and interact with the trainers and partners.
- Fill and submit the SAED registration form where you will indicate your preferred skill sector and sub-sector.
- Attend the in-camp training sessions that will be scheduled for your chosen skill. You will learn the basics of the skill and get a certificate of participation.
After completing the in-camp phase of the SAED program, you can continue with the post-camp phase where you will get more advanced training and mentoring in your chosen skill. To access the post-camp phase of the SAED program, you need to do the following:
- Register on SAED Connect https://www.saedconnect.org, which is the official online platform of the SAED program. You will get access to a wealth of information, tools, programs and opportunities to help you get a job or start your business during your service year.
- Find a trainer or mentor near you on SAEDConnect. You can search for trainers or mentors by skill sector or location. You can also request for a trainer or mentor if you can’t find one on the platform.
- Contact your trainer or mentor and arrange for your training or mentoring sessions. You will need to pay a fee for some of the trainings or mentorships depending on the skill and the trainer or mentor.
- Complete your training or mentoring sessions and get a certificate of completion.
The SAED program is a great opportunity for you to acquire a skill that can make you self-reliant and financially independent during and after your service year. You can also use your skill to create jobs for others and contribute to national development. Don’t miss this chance to learn a skill that can change your life for good.