On Tuesday, I did a post on my blog about Employability Skills ( http://thekrine..com/2012/01/skill-development-employability-skills.html ) and just this morning I stormed on this article on Daily Mail which discussed a fall in quality of recruits - skills. I understand that the data for this analysis was not generated from Nigeria but I believe it is somewhat applicable to our society. Are you skilled enough?

Please continue to read the article (Curled from Daily Mail) . . .

[size=15pt]One in three top companies can't fill graduate vacancies: Too many leave university without the right skills, say bosses[/size]

One in three top companies left graduate jobs unfilled last year amid complaints about the quality of recruits, a report warns today.

Rising numbers of employers failed to meet recruitment targets, citing university-leavers’ skills as a problem.

The shortfall comes despite rising unemployment and the fact that it is estimated there are at least 48 applications per graduate vacancy. One graduate in six now obtains a first – double the figure from a decade ago – while almost half get a respectable 2:1.

But a study by the Association of Graduate Recruiters turns the spotlight on the quality of graduates entering the job market.

One accountancy employer has already been forced to downgrade some graduate positions to target school-leavers because they are deemed ‘stronger’.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2091855/University-graduates-lack-right-skills-graduate-placements-according-bosses.html

One thing that really drew my interest to this article is the emphasis on skills. If you follow my posts, you'll notice I always lay emphasis on skills. I have come to notice that most of us have this belief that as long as we have the right grades, we are automatically entitled to an employment letter.

It's now clear that recruiters are asking other question besides possession of degree certificates. . .

It will be nice to hear from everyone;
- Do you know the skills you need for your career?
- What skills do you have?
- Why aren't you developing these skills?

For developed countries to complain about lack of skills; then young nigerians must ''double-buckle up''.
Frankly, your name says it all-mycvclinic. You treat issues like they are patients in your clinic. All your threads have been educative.
Nice to have you here.
Merci!

Hello Ayox2003,

Well said - "double buckle up".

Thanks for the kind words, makes me want to do more.

Cheers

[size=16pt]Skill Development: Communication Skill[/size]

Last week under the Skill Development feature, I did a post about Employability Skills

Today, the focus of Skill Development is on Communication Skill.
            - What are the Components of Effective Communication?
            - How do you improve the quality of information exchanged?

We all communicate in one way or the other. In simple terms, Communication is the art of exchanging information.  Notice the word "exchanging". If you see communication as an exchange, there is an obvious implication that other people are involved - audience and there is a transfer of something "information".

The quality of information exchanged is therefore affected by the quality of your communication skill. You may have the knowledge of a subject but if you lack the ability to pass information across effectively (through communication), you will experience a fall in the quality of that information.

Read more http://thekrine..com/2012/02/skill-development-communication-skill.html

Cheers

People can't 'skill' themselves. Especially when the institutions at all levels are not able to meet minimum training standards.
It is a problem in many developing countries. Not only Nigeria.

Hi Ajanlekoko,

Are you suggesting that people should do nothing about their lack of skills . I don't support that approach to challenges/problems; I guess that's because i'm more of a problem solver by nature. We can't continually fold our hands and blame society for our misfortunes or lack of skills.

There are skilled individuals in this society and I believe most of them had to face the "hardship" and challenges to skill development. I know several people that have come from very challenging backgrounds but made the effort and took the steps to reach where they are today.

I will continue doing my posts on skill development as my own contribution towards helping those that believe it is possible to develop skills despite the challenges of our society.

Judging by the responses I receive, I am definitely making a huge impact.

join me as a problem solver or sit back and count the challenges

Cheers

mycvclinic:

Hi Ajanlekoko,

Are you suggesting that people should do nothing about their lack of skills . I don't support that approach to challenges/problems; I guess that's because i'm more of a problem solver by nature. We can't continually  fold our hands and blame society for our misfortunes or lack of skills.

There are skilled individuals in this society and I believe most of them had to face the "hardship" and challenges to skill development. I know several people that have come from very challenging backgrounds but made the effort and took the steps to reach where they are today.

I will continue doing my posts on skill development as my own contribution towards helping those that believe it is possible to develop skills despite the challenges of our society.

Judging by the responses I receive, I am definitely making a huge impact.

join me as a problem solver or sit back and count the challenges

Cheers

What I said it, everybody cannot 'skill' themselves. That's why they went to school in the first place, to get skills. However, in many developing countries, the institutions (academic and vocational) are usually of very poor quality. Hence they keep churning out nondescript graduands who cannot be employed.

While not discounting your commendable efforts, I have to say there is still too much that needs to be done. I'm a middle-level manager, and I tend to ignore CVs and focus on the candidates apparent skills and experience during interviews, 9 times out of ten. No matter how well a CV is written, it's still not very useful to hire an engineer that doesn't appear to have the aptitude or experience to practice engineering. In most cases, the real work still has to be done by someone. That's why expats keep coming into Nigeria in droves on a daily basis, to do basic stuff.

AjanleKoko:

I'm a middle-level manager, and I tend to ignore CVs and focus on the candidates apparent skills and experience during interviews, 9 times out of ten.

And that is why I balance my CV reviews with "Skill Development". Ask anyone that has received a CV back from me, I make suggestions on skill development. I have also gone a step further to dedicate a section of my blog to skill development plus interviews from professionals to buttress my point on the need for skills. It is a growing process and Nigeria will surely get there.

We can't continually say "It is bad" and do nothing about it.

Every little helps.

I think the question is: How and Where To Acquire Skills.

According to Aj, the schools dont/cant provide that.

Employers want to hire skilled workers, but are not always willing to train them. They prefer to train those with some skill already.

I think the best/easiest way out is Self Development.

yamakuza:

I think the question is: How and Where To Acquire Skills.

According to Aj, the schools dont/cant provide that.

Employers want to hire skilled workers, but are not always willing to train them. They prefer to train those with some skill already.

I think the best/easiest way out is Self Development.

Self-development can only apply to soft skills.
How easy is it to acquire, say, computer programming skills all by yourself? Or even electrical installation technology skills?

Bottom-line is; skills can be developed and there are many people out there looking for ways to develop their skills.

I see it as a duty to those of us that have the knowledge to help with skill development instead of giving up totally and blaming our society (we already know the problems). Some of us are so good at digging out the problems/challenges; how about we balance it out with a search for solutions.

It must be frustrating for those that lack skills to constantly read new analysis and even over-analysis of their problems without any suggested solutions.

The current lack of skills is simply a phase. Let's be part of the tide to change it.

mycvclinic:

Bottom-line is; skills can be developed and there are many people out there looking for ways to develop their skills.

I see it as a duty to those of us that have the knowledge to help with skill development instead of giving up totally and blaming our society (we already know the problems). Some of us are so good at digging out the problems/challenges; how about we balance it out with a search for solutions.

It must be frustrating for those that lack skills to constantly read new analysis and even over-analysis of their problems without any suggested solutions.

The current lack of skills is simply a phase. Let's be part of the tide to change it.

There is no other solution outside good governance. Self-help can't cure cancer; you need a lot of investment.
What is the government investing, where skills development is concerned? Rather, government is running a plethora of scams, from YouWin to Sure.
And the current lack of skills is not a phase. It is a symptom of societal decay. When you can't even get a competent electrician to fix power problems in your home, then there is a serious problem.

And to anyone looking to develop their skills, I recommend they go back to the basics. Soft skills won't help much in this economy. People need to go back to being hands-on.

@AjanleKoko


We are talking about skill development NOT cancer.

This can go on forever and clearly I am not interested in going on and on about problems.

As I stated earlier, I will continue in my way to help with skill development. Everything has a starting point and we will certainly go past this phase of widespread lack of skills in our country.

I maintain that there are very skilled people in this country that have gone against all odds to develop the skills they possess.

It's left for me and others who are willing to support others to develop their skills.


Cheers

mycvclinic:

@AjanleKoko


We are talking about skill development NOT cancer.

This can go on forever and clearly I am not interested in going on and on about problems.

As I stated earlier, I will continue in my way to help with skill development. Everything has a starting point and we will certainly go past this phase of widespread lack of skills in our country.

I maintain that there are very skilled people in this country that have gone against all odds to develop the skills they possess.

It's left for me and others who are willing to support others to develop their skills.


Cheers

Okay, okay. No need to go the Messianic route
Tell us how you can help people develop their skills. I am genuinely curious. Not being sarcastic at all.

Yamakuza answered the question. Self development. Either soft skills or otherwise, it depends on the person. You have got to develop yourself. With the way the world is evolving, a young grad cant fold his arms and start capitalising on ''faulty education'' as a reason for lack of skills.
Anyone can acquire any skill. It depends on how determined and curious he/she is. A mechanical engineering grad/civil engineer or an architect can always acquire skills anyhow, a electrical electronics grad can always walk-up to different stations to become a volunteer staff. IT graduands can choose where they wanna specialise and develop their skills verywell. Infact only networking requires hands-on experience as all others could be done in a room without a tutor.
Having said that, I earned my B.Sc Oct 2010 and through-out my stay at school I never heard of ''router'' nor how communication networks works. But I wanted to build a career in networking. So my quest made me enrol in a telecom training schoo(although I'm rounding up my NYSC this month) l where I'm learning alot. Now, I can configure a router, an access point, setup a simple VoIP, use active directory, implement with Ericssons OMT and lots more. Although these skills are foundational skills but I have added something to my catalogue of ''DIY''. I think it depends mainly on the individual. Thats why I respect the Indians. They would sit in a room for 14hours writing codes. Infact most of the software enginneers that work with Facebook are Indians.
We can not shy away from acquiring skills. By the way, how did Ajanlekoko acquire his skills, if I may ask? Shebi you schooled in naija and you were under the same crop of lecturers, how then did you acquire the skills you have? Quoting mycvclinic, she said ''there are very many skilled individuals in this country who have gone against all odds''. The fact that we are products of the acada in naija is enough odd to stand against. Talkless of,
Mycvclinic, keep the fire blazing!
*Yamakuza I added u on Y!*
Much respect to Yamakuza, Ajanlekoko and Dr Mycvclinic.
Merci.

^ I was going to answer Aj with how i learnt/acquired technical skills by watching people/videos, but your answer has done more justice to his question, hopefully.

Up Youtube!
[s]
Maybe thats one of the traits that seperate the whites from the blacks?
[/s]

This world na wa.
You had poor education - it's your fault, you have to teach yourself.
You have no job - it's your fault, you need to employ yourself.
What next? If you're sick, it's your fault, you need to cure yourself?

Come on guys. The leaders in the society have a responsibility, and they are shirking it! And you are helping them. Even the government today is asking people to 'be more entrepreneural', whatever that means.

^ Ok, i catch your drift: if we had better leaders/government, things might not have to be this way abi?

But then, the article was about the UK, where they have good everything!

Bottomline: You are the author of your fate!

@ Ajanlekoko why do nigerians buy generators and construct alternative water supply? These are basic amenities! Can you imagine, water- omi! Na wa o.
The government that cant provide water will give good education abi.
I retweet yamakuza last line jare.

ayox2003:

@ Ajanlekoko why do nigerians buy generators and construct alternative water supply? These are basic amenities! Can you imagine, water- omi! Na wa o.
The government that cant provide water will give good education abi.
I retweet yamakuza last line jare.

Well . . . since you keep buying generators, they don't even remember that they were supposed to give you power in the first place!!!

^ I beleive we have already subsidized everything for the government. Infact, we have helped the government alot. But while at that, we must not forget about our own satisfaction/happiness with or without the government.

You guys have managed to bring the politics/government into this.[s] Well, you're pardoned as long as you don't bring in football too![/s]

Thanks for your tips on skill development. . .

yamakuza:


i learnt/acquired technical skills by watching people/videos
Up Youtube!

ayox2003:


Self development. Either soft skills or otherwise, it depends on the person.

You have got to develop yourself. With the way the world is evolving, a young grad cant fold his arms and start capitalising on ''faulty education'' as a reason for lack of skills.

Anyone can acquire any skill. It depends on how determined and curious he/she is.

A mechanical engineering grad/civil engineer or an architect can always acquire skills anyhow, a electrical electronics grad can always walk-up to different stations to become a volunteer staff.

IT graduands can choose where they wanna specialise and develop their skills very well. Infact only networking requires hands-on experience as all others could be done in a room without a tutor.

I earned my B.Sc Oct 2010 and through-out my stay at school I never heard of ''router'' nor how communication networks  works. But I wanted to build a career in networking. So my quest made me enrol in a telecom training schoo(although I'm rounding up my NYSC this month) l where I'm learning alot. Now, I can configure a router, an access point, setup a simple VoIP, use active directory, implement with Ericssons OMT and lots more. Although these skills are foundational skills but I have added something to my catalogue of ''DIY''.

ayox2003:


we must not forget about our own satisfaction/happiness with or without the government. 

yamakuza:


Bottomline: You are the author of your fate!

Hello Everyone,

This week, I featured an Environmental practitioner as the "Professional of The Week"It was a very nice interview, he talked about the profession as well as skills and professional certification such as NISP, NEBOSH, IEMA. Read on and be inspired.


Professional of The Week: An Environmental Engineer

This week, we're featuring an Environmental Engineer as the "Professional of The Week". It was yet another enlightening interview and I encourage every professional or budding professional out there to read on.

Name: Jima Okori
Location (state): Rivers State
Profession: Environmental Engineering

1. Why did you choose Environmental Engineering as your profession?
Well, my dream as a child was to be a pilot and as I grew it changed to Mechanical Engineering. However, while I was undergoing admission into university, complications during the process led me to Industrial Sciences.
After my Undergraduate degree, my interest in engineering was still very much alive and my dad, a Chemical Engineer by profession, advised that Environmental Engineering would be best suited based on my chemistry background. So, I went for a Masters in Environmental Engineering Technology, specialising in Environmental Analysis and Assessment.

Continue to read all 8 questions here http://thekrine..com/2012/02/professional-of-week-environmental.html


Cheers

[size=14pt]Skill Development: Team Work[/size]

Last week under the Skill Development feature, I did a post focusing on Communication Skill

Today, the focus of Skill Development is on Team Work Skill.
            - What are the components of an effective Team?
            - How can I be an effective team member?

It seems very basic doesn't it, but the truth is that a lot of people lack Team Work skill. Unsurprisingly, your lack of team work skills may also prevent you from getting a job because some recruiters have included team work tests in their recruitment exercises. Perhaps you were able to hide your lack of Team Work skill during your interview but this lack will eventually reveal itself and have a negative effect on your career.

The beauty about people that have good Team Work skill is that they seem to get involved in every project. They have such a positive attitude to work and putting them on the team is a guarantee for results.

Team work ----> Team mates ------> YOU

Continue to read more http://thekrine..com/2012/02/skill-development-team-work.html



Cheers

Professional of The Week: A Chemical Engineer


This week , we’re featuring a Chemical Engineer with the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) as the Professional of The Week”. It was yet another enlightening interview and I encourage every professional or budding professional out there to read on.


1. Why did you choose Chemical Engineering as your profession?

I got interested in a Career in the Engineering field because I was science inclined as I child. Also, I enjoyed subjects like Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Physics. I would have taken medicine but I can’t stand the sight of blood.

While in Secondary School, SS2, I had a discussion with a senior and this helped me single out Chemical Engineering as my dream profession.

I choose Chemical Engineering because of its relevance and application in a lot of industries. You can work almost anywhere, Oil & Gas , Petrochemical, Pharmaceutical & Health, Agriculture etc

Read the full interview here http://thekrine..com/2012/03/professional-of-week-chemical-engineer.html


Cheers

Pls more comments pls