The Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) Giessen-Friedberg has selected 18 young Nigerians for specialized vocational training in Germany’s hospitality sector under the Africa Skills 4 Germany (AS4G) initiative.
The candidates were unveiled in Lagos after successfully completing a rigorous multi-stage selection process for the Dual Vocational Training programme.
A Programme to Tackle Germany’s Skilled Labour Shortage
The AS4G pilot project, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi), is designed to help address Germany’s long-term shortage of skilled workers and apprentices.
German Consul General in Lagos, Daniel Krull, described the initiative as part of Germany’s broader strategy to expand vocational training partnerships with Nigeria.
Krull noted that Germany faces a rapidly aging population, making it increasingly difficult to meet labour needs domestically.
> “Germany has a fast-aging population… Nigeria, on the other hand, has a large, young, talented, and ambitious population looking for opportunities. It is natural to explore how both countries can join forces through legal migration,” he said.
Language and Cultural Training Before Departure
The 18 selected Nigerians will undergo intensive German language classes, cultural orientation, and hospitality-focused pre-training before relocating to Germany next summer.
Krull emphasized that the goal is to ensure the participants arrive in Germany well-prepared for both work and life.
Over 350 Applicants Screened to 18
Project Lead for AS4G within the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Andreas Reckert, said the selection involved over 350 applicants, filtered through:
language aptitude assessments
written examinations
oral interviews
Reckert explained that participants do not pay tuition or training-related fees:
> “They only need to invest their time, skills, and enthusiasm. German companies will cover the training costs. The trainees only handle their flight and travel expenses,” he said.
He added that trainees will receive salaries during their programme — enough to cover rent, groceries, and personal needs.
A Strong Nigeria–Germany Link
German language instructor and HR consultant, Bolade Niyi-Taiwo, noted that the candidates have already completed the first training phase (August–October) and are expected to round off the second phase by the end of November.
She described the project as a promising foundation for deeper cooperation between both countries.
Candidates Share Their Hopes
One of the selected trainees, former chemistry teacher Afolashade Adedeji, expressed excitement about her new opportunity.
She said she hopes her performance will “open doors for others coming after her” and pledged to give her best throughout the programme.
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