Many young Nigerians are in a haste to ‘Japa’ to other countries for economic reasons and thus adding to brain drain in the country. They desire to relocate and live abroad with the hope of increasing their chances of achieving success in life. But some people who have moved to either live and work abroad say it is not always a rosy experience as it sounds. They usually advise intending migrants to acquire certain skills before relocating to the USA, Canada or the UK.
These skills may either be digital skills or crafts that makes them employable and relevant in several industries abroad. This is so because some of these foreign countries are in short supply of skilled workers to take up such jobs which are always in high demand to grow their economy.
It is quite informing to know that in this age, acquiring a skill is as important as anything one could ever consider if you are to travel abroad. This piece considers three lucrative skills that Nigerians should learn before moving abroad if your dreams of breaking even is to be achieved!
Equally, Check: Study and Work Opportunities in Canada 2023
1. Hairstyling and Barbing Skills
Nigerians migrating to the United States of America, Canada or even the UK having these skills will have their stars to thank because of the flexibility that comes with having to work as a hairstylist or as a barber abroad. Individuals possessing these skills can easily combine this job with other jobs if need be.
According to a certain report, to braid one’s hair in the USA could cost up between N113,000 to N195k while in Canada, it could cost an average of N80,000. The cost of barbing could be up to 38k (40$) for men while women may pay up to 190$ for cut, coloring and styling in the US.
This is an indication that people with these skills can make good money in Canada, USA and the United Kingdom.
2. Fashion Designing in Canada and UK
Another very lucrative skill to learn as a Nigerian while preparing to relocate to Canada, USA or the UK is fashion design. This is because there is shortage of fashion designers who can play around African designs in these countries. For instance, it is reported that to make a simple flared dress could cost about N65K in the UK excluding the price of the fabric.
Fashion designing skills could therefore be very lucrative considering the fact that there are already high demand for this skill abroad and very limited supply of those with the skill.
3. Driving in Canada, USA and UK
The ability to drive professionally and being in possession of a valid driver’s license could be what will put food on your table while relocating to Canada, USA and the UK. This is one of the skill that is being neglected but highly sought after abroad. A report by Talent shows that a taxi driver in the United Kingdom could earn up to an equivalent of N17k per hour. Indeed reports that that taxi drivers in Canada could make as much as an equivalent of N10k per hour while providing this service in Canada.
Apart from taxi driving, being able to drive heavy duty machines is one of the very important skill to learn as the pay per hour may be higher than driving a cab in Canada, USA or the United Kingdom. Heavy duty machine drivers are highly sought after by companies who would even add commissions to their regular pay just to motivate them.
Other skills that are lucrative and should be acquired as a Nigerian before traveling abroad includes:
- Cooking and Cleaning
- ICT skills
- Artisanal skills such as carpentry, plumbing, welding, brick-laying, electricians, etc.