For years, the japa advice was simple: get a degree, do a master’s, then stay back and prayfor a visa. But that playbook is broken.
The real opportunity? It’s wearing a toolbelt.
Meet Generation Toolbelt: Gen Zs in the West are skipping college and going straight intotrades. Why? Because that’s where the gold rush is.
In the U.S., 3 million skilled trade roles are projected to stay unfilled by 2028. In Canada,700,000 tradespeople will retire by the same year.
For every five tradespeople that retire, only two replace them. That’s not a gap. That’s ablack hole.
Meanwhile, electricians are earning $61K+ a year. That’s more than a lot of collegegraduates.
So here’s the thing:
If you’ve got one of the five skills I’m about to share, or you learn one, your migration oddsskyrocket. Countries like Canada, Germany, Australia, and the U.S. are literally rewritingimmigration policies to get you in.
Let’s break it down:
1. Electricians
Everything is going electric, and the world’s running short on the people who know how towire it.
Why it matters
Smart homes, EVs, gadgets, the internet, solar power. Electricians are becoming moreessential by the day, and global demand is desperate.
Train in Nigeria
Start with one area. Learn the basics like traditional electrical installation or solar systems.
Get certified to validate your skills. Then gain experience through apprenticeships.
Your Japa Play
Australia needs electricians. Get assessed via Trades Recognition Australia and applyunder the General Skilled Migration program.
2. Plumbers
Canada has a housing shortage. They need to build 3.5 million new homes by 2030, butthere aren’t enough hands.
Why it matters
It’s physically impossible for Canada to produce enough people to meet housing demands.
So they’re importing migrants.
Train in Nigeria
Pipe fitting, sanitation, water systems. Learn the building codes of the province you’retargeting. Get certified. Local programs are catching up fast.
Your Japa Play
In Canada, the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is tailor-made for plumbers.
Combined with Express Entry, you could land PR in as little as six months.
3. Welders
A U.S. company called BlueForge Alliance can’t build thermonuclear-powered submarines.
Why? Because metal doesn’t shape itself. They’re looking for 100,000 welders.
Why it matters
Welding powers oil, gas, manufacturing, and big infrastructure. Canada and Australia havewelding high on their shortage lists.
Train in Nigeria
Learn MIG, TIG, stick welding. Practice fabricating gates, tanks, and trusses.
Apprenticeships are key, especially for hands-on experience.
Your Japa Play
Welding may show up as “metal fabricator” or “construction trades” in visa documents.
These roles are eligible for migration and sponsorship in Canada, the UAE, and Australia.
4. Auto Mechanics: Fix It Anywhere
Engines break down everywhere, from Kaduna to Kansas. Someone needs to bring themback to life.
Why it matters
Whether it’s petrol, diesel, or electric, the global car fleet keeps growing. And every countryneeds mechanics.
Train in Nigeria
Learn diagnostics, auto electrical, diesel engines, and EV systems. Most Nigerianmechanics already train the hard way, on the job.
Your Japa Play
In Germany, mechanics are on the shortage occupation list. That lowers the bar forlanguage and job offer requirements.
The U.S. and Canada also welcome automotive techs through skilled worker programs.
5. Carpentry
You can’t build a future without builders.
Why it matters
Housing demand is soaring. Construction crews are aging. And the world needs carpentersmore than ever.
Train in Nigeria
Learn woodwork, framing, cabinetry, joinery. Local builders and apprenticeships are yourgateway. Many Nigerians already work in this space. Just be deliberate. Get certified.
Your Japa Play
Carpentry appears on skilled occupation lists in Canada, Australia, and Germany. With theright experience and paperwork, migration is very possible.
Germany even welcomes carpenters through its Blue Card program, especially if you speakbasic German.
The Bottom Line
Skilled migration is the backdoor nobody’s talking about. But the countries that matter?
They’ve left it wide open.
Learn the skill. Prove the skill. Go where it’s needed.
That’s the game.
________________________Bankole Ojo-Medubi is a highly regarded architect and carpenter from Nigeria. He is the mind and hands behind some of the most dynamic and innovative interior architectural spaces in Nigeria, such as : Aiivon Innovation Hub, ICreate Skill Hub, Fireworks Digital Marketing and many more. He is the executive director of Westwood Works and Westwood Developers limiteds and has worked with brands such as the United Nations, International Trade Centre, MasterCard Foundation, Bosch, Guinness, German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ), Sterling Bank and others. He is also the Managing Partner of Parasol Business Process Outsourcing, where he connects skilled Nigerians with global businesses in need of high-quality talent. Bankole is also a big believer in service, and has served in various not-for-profit organizations in various capacities such as, Youth With A Purpose (YWAP) , Fashion For Charity (FFC) and the Rotary Club. Bankole has been sharing the insights he has learnt on this journey to an audience of over 8000 people on LinkedIn. Ultimately, Bankole's vision is to help Nigerians become the best versions of themselves, equipped with market-driven skills that meet the needs of businesses worldwide, driving economic growth one opportunity at a time. email: bankole@parasolbpo.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bankole-ojo-medubi/
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.
