Lafarge Empowers Host Communities with Technical Training Program
Leading building solutions provider in Nigeria, Lafarge Africa Plc is seeking ways to gainfully engage youths in host communities where it engages in business. To this end, fifteen youths from Ogun, Gombe and Cross River States have just been enrolled in the maiden Cement Professional Technician Programme (CPTP). The programme involves the training of youths in the cement manufacturing process.
Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainable Development Director said the initiative will increase local content of Lafarge operations in Nigeria and bridge the skills gap in the cement Industry. The Lafarge spokesperson who stood in for the Country Chief Executive Officer of Lafarge Africa Plc Mr. Michel Puchercos, noted that the Cement Professionals Training programme is a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative hinged on five pillars: health, safety, education, infrastructure as well as clean environment."
On his part, Health & Safety Director Mr. Graeme Bride noted that the youths will be trained to imbibe the culture of "safety first" as they operate in any Lafarge facility. The three-year all-expense-paid residential programme includes training in mechanical, electrical, instrumentation and automation technology, cement manufacturing process and entrepreneurship. The youths will also receive practical and theoretical training at Lafarge's state-of-art centres and plants in Ashaka, Ewekoro, Mfamosing (Calabar) and Sagamu. All those who successfully complete the training programme will be offered employed.
The programme is in partnership with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and the National Consultative Assembly (NECA). The certificate awarded after the programme is accredited by NBTE and valid for admission into any Nigerian university.
Other dignitaries who attended the event included notable traditional rulers from the host community as well as Lafarge Africa Plc's Head of HR-Industrial, Mr. Femi Adekunle.
