Delta govt sets-up panel of assessors for STEP proficiency test ~ Truth Reporters

By Ese Laura Oghene

The importance of the Post Training Proficiency Test (PTPT) for graduands of the Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP) has been underscored with a call on trainers to ensure that trainees sent to their training centers are well trained in their chosen vocational skills.

The Chief job and Wealth Creation Officer, Prof Eric Eboh, made the assertion at a meeting in Asaba between the Delta State Job and Wealth Creation Bureau and trainers selected to work as panel of assessors during the PTPT for 2020/2021 Cycle STEP graduands who recently completed a four-month training in four vocational skills.

The STEP graduands were to under-go the PTPT for a particular skill they were trained in, either in Hairdressing; Catering and Confectionery; PoP, Painting and Screed-Making, and Audio-Visual Services.

Prof Eboh explained that all the beneficiaries would be subjected to a test to confirm their proficiency in the skills learnt and to prove that they actually learnt the skills for which they were enrolled in STEP.

He stated that only those who passed the test would be given starter pack.

“The start-up support cannot be given to someone who has not learnt or passed the test. If we do that, it means we are sowing a seed for failure. The proficiency test is very important for the programme, for quality assurance. For the programme to succeed, the trainees must prove that they have learnt the skills,” he maintained.

While thanking the trainers for partnering with the state government in nurturing unemployed youths into entrepreneurs, he pointed that their selection and engagement as members of the PTPT panel of assessors was an indication that they have performed creditably well during the training process.

One of the selected trainers, Mrs. Mary Odugala of the Delta State Vocational Centre, Asaba expressed her appreciation to the bureau for selecting her to work as a member of the panel of assessors for the PTPT, adding that the trainees who graduated from her center were fully ready for the test.

In the same vein, Mr. Vincent Obiake, a trainer in PoP, Painting and Screed-Making, while commending the state government for the job creation initiative, assured the bureau that the graduands from his center were thoroughly trained and would past the PTPT excellently.