FG EMPLOYS 350 YOUNG ENGINEERS.

The Minister of Works, Arc. Mike Onolememen has disclosed that the Federal Government, through the Federal Civil Service Commission, had recently employed over 350 young engineers, and organized training programmes for them before they were deployed to various sites.

This he said is part of the ministry’s target of reducing unemployment among engineering graduates and giving the young engineers the opportunity to understudy experienced professionals, adding that adequate provision is also being made in every contract to provide for students’ industrial work experience scheme [SIWES].

The minister who stated this at the Opening Ceremony of the 21st Council for the Registration of Engineers in Nigeria (COREN) Engineering Assembly in Abuja said he had directed all Directors and Chief Executives of Parastatals under the Federal Ministry of Works to ensure that all Contractors handling major projects in the Ministry comply with the policy of employing Nigerian Engineering Personnel.

According to the minister, it is imperative that COREN should liaise with the Ministry for full implementation of these provisions at all times to promote capacity in the profession.

He assured that the Federal Ministry of Works will continue to place high premium on the training and re-training of Engineering personnel on its nominal roll and mentioned that the Ministry has renewed efforts to revive the Highway Training Schools in Badagry, Kaduna and Benin City which when fully operational will benefit Highway Engineering Personnel tremendously.

The minister who declared open the assembly on behalf of President Goodluck Jonathan, GCFR advised the Council to ensure that there is Continuing Professional Development to update the capacity of Engineering Consultants and Contractors.

Arc. Onolememen who said the ministry adopted a deliberate policy of involving consultants in the design and supervision of highway projects used the forum to “call on Chief Executives and Directors of engineering companies to ensure that only qualified and registered professionals and firms are allowed to handle engineering jobs, so as not to bring the profession to ridicule”, stating that erring “firms and professionals should be brought to book not only to serve as deterrence to others, but also to improve public perception of the Engineering profession and professionals.”