Armed Forces Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Mechatronic School (AFEME) is partnering with Julius Berger Nigeria Plc to bridge the latent skills gap in the engineering industry.

To signify a collaborative commitment towards the training of its personnel and students, the Armed Forces signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the construction giant.

Speaking at the signing, yesterday, Head of AFEME Mechatronics School and host of the event, Capt. Mohammed Idris, described the day as a ‘momentous one’.

According to him, the MoU signing signifies another key mileage in the company’s consistency of purpose and proactive contribution to the country’s industrial and technological development and industrial advancement.

He stated: “This alliance is important since it will foster a skilled workforce in the field of mechatronics, aligning with the ever-evolving demands of the industry, and contribute significantly to the advancement of the mechatronics sector in Nigeria.”

Mohammed emphasised that the emerging shared vision for the future would bring about a competent, innovative and adaptable workforce. He congratulated the school and Julius Berger for the bold step towards shaping the future of education and professionalism in the country.

Head of Julius Berger’s Plant and Equipment Department (PED), Francois Roo, who, in conjunction with the Human Resource Department, coordinates the work of the Academy, said Julius Berger sought to further enhance the company’s and country’s productivity by proactively taking initiatives to develop the capacities of young minds.

Taking that into consideration, he said: “We have to train people for the future because if we do not, we will not be able to contact the benefit of the future offices and, for us, at Julius Berger, that is very important. Yes, it is the future of the young people.

“We also have to, sometimes, train some more people; so they can also help to give the experience of the past to the younger people.” Head of German Technical Advisory Group, Col Frank Abel, said he would appreciate if Julius Berger became the representative of industry, as the national industry would support in developing the new plan because “it is a bit bigger than what we can see in AFEME at the moment.”

He stressed that the mechanics need to know how to operate the machines, adding: “It is indeed going to be a very big one because it will help develop cooperation in Nigeria and, of course, the experience in the industry.”

Ross aligned with Abel’s assertion that progress depends on the perception of the future of things to come. Julius Berger’s Human Resource Manager, Femi Ojomo, thanked the organisers for believing in company, adding: “I have no doubt in my mind that this is a start of greater things to come.”