Microsoft kicks off modern apprenticeship program in Nigeria

Oct 23, 2019

Microsoft’s software engineering apprenticeship program, LEAP, takes off in Nigeria with ten females.

apprenticeship program

The first LEAP program cohort in Nigeria will see ten selected females participate in the initiative. They will recieve sixteen weeks of training in technical support software engineering roles. Microsoft heads of the initiative from Nigeria and Redmond met with the girls to officially launch the program.

Microsoft says skills development remains at the heart of its mission to empower everyone to achieve more. Doing this through a combination of strategic partnerships, trainings, real-world experiences and online classrooms environments. The company also says it provides future skills to those entering the industry and those already in the workforce.

Microsoft LEAP Engineering Acceleration Program (LEAP) is an initiative led by the Global Innovation Team and sponsored by Kevin Scott, Chief Technology Officer at Microsoft. 

Akin Banuso, Microsoft Country Manager Nigeria and Ghana, notes that Microsoft believes in contributing to human capital development, empowering the youth and creating opportunities for individuals and organisations. As this will cultivate an environment that allows for growth of the knowledge-based economy.

As a technology company, we are acutely aware of the responsibility we have to ensure all workers have a path to gain relevant skills. No matter where they are in their careers. For this reason, we will continue to – in partnership with non-profit organisations, government bodies, learning institutions and other entities – empower those already in the workforce with the capabilities needed to ensure financial stability, economic prosperity and opportunities for personal growth.”

The ladies in the software apprenticeship program will firstly receive 4 weeks of classroom training on Software Support Engineering. Then 12 weeks of hands-on projects training involving real life scenarios at partner organization Tek Experts.