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Step Down Training

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Introduction

The Directorate of Career Services and Employability, Jigawa State Polytechnic Dutse, successfully organized two major programmes aimed at strengthening career development and employability among staff and students. 

These programmes were:

  1. A Two-Day Step-Down Training on Career Services for Staff of Jigawa State Polytechnic, Dutse.
  2. Student Orientation Week on Career Services and Employability.

 

Both initiatives were sponsored by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) as part of its 2024 national intervention programme on Career Services in tertiary institutions.

The programmes sought to enhance awareness, build institutional capacity, strengthen employability culture, and create sustainable linkages among staff, students, alumni, and industry stakeholders in line with TETFund’s mission to produce work-ready graduates.

Mission Statement

“We are committed to supporting students and alumni through career guidance, skills development, as well as strong and sustainable industry linkages that enhance employability and successful transitions into the workforce.”

Strategic Goals

  • Enhance student employability rates.
  • Strengthen industry partnerships and engagement.
  • Promote entrepreneurial mindsets and ventures.
  • Facilitate seamless transition from classroom to career.
  • Establish a robust alumni career network.

Theme

Building a Career-Ready Polytechnic Through Staff Engagement

Core Objectives

  • Assist students in acquiring information and competencies for personal career development and academic success.
  • Provide resources that enhance students’ candidacy for employment or further education.
  • Develop partnerships with employers for internships and job opportunities.
  • Strengthen staff capacity and professionalism through continuous learning and development.

Comprehensive Services Offered by the Directorate

  • Career Counseling and Guidance – Personalized coaching for students and graduates.
  • Employability Skills Development – Workshops on CV writing, interviews, digital and soft skills.
  • Internship and Job Placement – Structured SIWES and employer liaison.
  • Alumni Engagement – Mentorship, job referrals, and networking events.
  • Entrepreneurship Support – Collaboration with the Directorate of Entrepreneurship for business start-up guidance.

The TETFund Mandate and Institutional Impact

The 2024 TETFund intervention marks a shift from ad-hoc career guidance to institutionalized Career Services Centres. This aligns with:

  • National Youth Policy (2019) – Youth empowerment and career readiness.
  • National Development Plan (2021–2025) – Job creation and employability.
  • Federal Ministry of Education Roadmap (2021) – Integration of employability in tertiary education.

The intervention aims to:

  • Strengthen graduate employability.
  • Provide evidence-based career guidance.
  • Build structured linkages between academia and industry.

Stakeholder Collaboration Framework

The workshop emphasized that Career Services success depends on the collective responsibility of various units. Key stakeholders include:

  • Registry – Custodian of student/alumni data for employability tracking.
  • Academic Secretariat – Integrates career-readiness modules into curricula.
  • Directors of Colleges & HODs – Promote employability-focused teaching and partnerships.
  • Lab Technologists – Validate practical skills and ensure industry-standard competence.
  • SIWES Unit – Strengthen employer feedback and transition to employment.
  • ICT Directorate – Enable digital career services and e-portfolio platforms.
  • Research & Skill Development Units – Link innovation projects to employability outcomes.

Outcomes of the Workshop

  • Staff gained a comprehensive understanding of the Career Services Centre’s mission and structure.
  • Departments developed Course/Major Maps, outlining employability competencies expected at each academic level.
  • Enhanced collaboration between CSC and academic departments.
  • Commitment to integrating employability into institutional policy and practice.
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