Artisans have been advised to upgrade their skills through continuous training and capacity building endeavours.
Doing this will unleash their potential for growth and development in their areas of expertise.
Eng. Isa Olaleye of the Lagos State Building Control Agency, LASBCA, gave the advice at a one day capacity building seminar organized by the Artisans, Peasants and Traders Association of Nigeria, APTAN, Alimosho chapter, for its members.
He said most Artisans do not go for more capacity building trainings, which often affect their productivity.
Interpersonal skills very key
Discussing the topic, ‘Proficiency and Capacity Development for Artisans and Traders,’ Eng. Olaleye said proficiency entails the ability, skills and the competence artisans exhibit in the course of their jobs.
He categorised skills into three aspects which are cognitive, technical and interpersonal skills.
Eng. Olaleye, however, noted that most artisans today emphasize more on technical skills rather than interpersonal skill, which has to do with good interaction and good communication with clients.
He also noted that the harsh economic situation in Nigeria has made some artisans to resign to fate, having defeatist mentality to life.
“We must have positive attitude and disposition to the situation. Without this, a soul cannot be successful in this world. Positive attitude is the foundation of a successful life. It has a way it transforms your life.
“Whatever you do, do it to the best of your ability. Artisan is somebody that is engaged with modern trends of doing things to the best of his ability. Sadly, most of them don’t have passion for what they do. Look beyond the immediate gains, look towards securing your clients by treating them nicely. Maintain good relationship. Make new friends and retain old ones,” he advised.
On how to further develop their technical skills, Eng. Olaleye, advised the participants to enrol in the various technical training institutes to update and upgrade their knowledge and skills.
“You also need to spend time with experts in your area of specialisation,” he added.
Towards a sustainable enterprise
Speaking on the topic, “Towards a sustainable Enterprise,” the Internal Auditor, Mohani Group, Mr Abdulhakeem Salman, said before going into any business, there must be good and quality products to sell or quality service to render.
In addition to this, he said cherishing and respecting customers is important because they can keep and take anyone out of business.
Mr Salman noted that one of the problems artisans have is their inability to manage their finances very well.
He, therefore, advised them to acquire basic knowledge of acconting, in addition to separating personal fund from business capital.
Leveraging on new technology
Contributing to the discussion, the Head, APTAN Lagos State, Mr. Amida Abdulateef, urged the participants to leverage on the new technology and social media to market their products and skills.
“One needs to think very well. You can create a WhatsApp platform for all your customers to showcase your jobs and expertise. You can also use such platform to disseminate information on latest of products and approaches to your job, and this can arouse the interest of your customers for such,’ he said.
Speaking earlier, the Alimosho Coordinator of APTAN, Mr. Jamiu Badrudeen, said the seminar was meant to equip them with skills that will assist them fare better in their various trades and vocations.
He urged the participants to take advantage of the knowledge shared at the event, build on it, to better their jobs.
