Presco Plc, a leading agro-industrial firm, and SIAT Academy recently celebrated the graduation of 33 young professionals from their inaugural Graduate Trainee Programme in Benin City, Edo State. The ceremony coincided with the announcement of a significant expansion for the next intake, with the second cohort set to comprise 70 trainees, a figure the company described as a 40% increase in intake.
The 18-month programme is designed to equip graduates with essential technical, managerial, and leadership skills crucial for the rapidly evolving agro-allied industry, particularly within the palm oil sector. The initiative underscores Presco Plc’s commitment to human capital development and addressing the skills gap prevalent in Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.
This development is expected to have a tangible impact on youth employment and local content development, fostering a new generation of professionals ready to contribute to the nation’s economic growth. The graduates are now poised to take up roles within Presco Plc and other entities within the SIAT Group, which operates extensive oil palm plantations and processing facilities across Africa.
Boosting Local Capacity in Agro-Industry
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Mr. Felix Nwabuko, Managing Director of Presco Plc, lauded the dedication of the graduating trainees and reiterated the company’s vision for sustainable development. He emphasised that the programme is a strategic investment in the future of the Nigerian agro-industry, ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled talent capable of driving innovation and efficiency.
Mr. Charles Mbiwan, the Group Head of SIAT Group Academy, highlighted the comprehensive nature of the training, which covered various aspects of oil palm cultivation, processing, and agribusiness management. He noted that the academy’s curriculum is continually refined to meet global best practices and local industry demands, ensuring that trainees receive relevant and cutting-edge knowledge.
The expansion to 70 trainees for the next cohort signals a robust commitment from Presco Plc and SIAT Academy to deepen their impact. This move is particularly timely, given Nigeria’s renewed focus on diversifying its economy away from crude oil and towards sectors like agriculture, which holds immense potential for job creation and food security.
The SIAT Academy Graduate Trainee Programme is a testament to the company’s belief in nurturing local talent and providing opportunities for young Nigerians to thrive in a crucial economic sector. The initiative is also aligned with broader national goals of reducing youth unemployment and promoting economic self-reliance through skills acquisition and entrepreneurship in agriculture. The successful completion of the first cohort and the planned expansion are critical steps in building a resilient and skilled workforce for the future of Nigeria’s agro-industry, addressing both corporate needs and national development objectives. The original announcement was first reported by Premium Times Nigeria.
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