Federal Government ITF Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA) Training Programme 2026 | Apply Now
The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) is inviting Nigerians to register for the Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA) Programme, a Federal Government initiative designed to train, upskill, certify and professionally license artisans and intending artisans across Nigeria.
The programme combines practical vocational training with technology-driven learning, certification, access to professional toolkits and support aimed at helping Nigerians build sustainable careers and businesses through skilled trades.
About the Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA) Programme
SUPA is designed for both people who already practise a trade and Nigerians who want to learn a practical skill from the beginning.
The programme focuses on improving the quality and professionalism of artisans through Industry 4.0-compliant training, health and safety education, certification, licensing and standardised work practices. One of its objectives is also to improve access to employment opportunities for Nigerian artisans locally and internationally.
Applicants can register as either an intending artisan who wants to acquire a skill or a skilled artisan seeking further training, certification and professional recognition.
About the Industrial Training Fund (ITF)
The Industrial Training Fund is a Federal Government agency responsible for developing Nigeria’s workforce through technical, vocational and professional skills training.
SUPA is implemented by ITF under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.
Skills and Trades Available
Training under SUPA covers different vocational and technical areas. Available and previously highlighted skill areas include:
- Electrical Installation
- Plumbing and Pipe Fitting
- Carpentry
- Furniture Making
- Welding and Fabrication
- Masonry
- Fashion Design and Tailoring
- Automobile/Auto Mechanic Skills
- Agriculture and Agro-Allied Skills
- Poultry Farming
- ICT and Digital Skills
- Cybersecurity
- Hospitality
- Catering
- Housekeeping
- Other technical and vocational trades
The official SUPA programme also specifically identifies trades such as carpentry, masonry, plumbing and electrical work among the areas covered by its certified training structure.
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Who Can Apply?
The programme is suitable for:
- Nigerians who want to learn a practical skill
- Beginners with little or no previous experience in a trade
- Existing artisans who want to improve their skills
- Craftsmen and technicians seeking recognised certification
- Skilled workers who want official licensing
- Young Nigerians interested in vocational careers
- Artisans seeking better professional and employment opportunities
- Individuals interested in starting or strengthening a trade-based business
The official registration platform provides separate pathways for intending artisans and skilled artisans.
What Participants Will Receive
SUPA provides support beyond basic skills training.
Participants can benefit from:
- Practical vocational and technical training
- Technology-driven skills development
- Industry-standard training
- Health and safety training
- Professional certification
- Official artisan licensing
- Access to essential professional toolkits
- Improved recognition as a trained artisan
- Support towards employability and entrepreneurship
- Opportunities to improve existing trade skills
- Access to a national artisan ecosystem
The programme’s stated objective is to ensure artisans are trained, certified and licensed while promoting standardised methods and practices across trades.
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Official Certification and Licensing
One of the major components of SUPA is certification and licensing.
The programme aims to ensure Nigerian artisans are formally recognised and able to demonstrate that they have received training based on industry standards. ITF also describes SUPA as a pathway for apprentices, craftsmen and technicians to obtain certification for vocational skills they have acquired.
Access to Professional Toolkits
SUPA includes access to essential toolkits and equipment that can help artisans practise their trades more professionally.
The toolkit component is part of the programme’s wider effort to improve productivity, craftsmanship and professional standards among artisans.
Training Across Nigeria
SUPA is a nationwide programme designed to reach artisans and intending artisans across Nigeria.
Participants are registered and categorised according to their location and trade, with successful applicants progressing through screening and training arrangements under the programme.
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Registration Categories
During registration, applicants can select the category that best describes them.
Intending Artisan: This category is for people who want to learn a new skill or trade. The official portal describes this pathway as suitable for people who are ready to learn and access beginner-friendly training.
Skilled Artisan: This category is for people who already practise a trade and want to improve their skills, receive certification or gain professional recognition.
Benefits
Participants can benefit from:
- Free registration
- Practical skills development
- Beginner-friendly training for intending artisans
- Skills upgrading for existing artisans
- Industry-recognised certification
- Official ITF-SUPA licensing
- Access to essential professional toolkits
- Improved professional credibility
- Better preparation for employment and contract opportunities
- Support for entrepreneurship and self-employment
- Access to modern and standardised work practices