Purpose: The increasing crisis in northeast Nigeria encourages young adult internal migrants to the southern part for greener pastures, including construction activities. Evidence shows that many migrants engaged as labourers within a short period claimed to be qualified artisans without apprenticeship schemes. There is a need to integrate apprenticeship in the informal construction sites where internal migrants are engaged to enhance their competency in craftsmanship. The internal migrants may have had some encumbrances. The research investigated issues facing young adults’ internal migrants and suggested measures to improve their skills acquisition and construction craftsmanship before being engaged as artisans. Design/methodology/approach: The researchers employed a qualitative method utilising a semi-structured face-to-face interview to solicit data from 30 participants in Nigeria. The researchers utilised an investigative method to engage young adult internal migrants in Nigeria, and thematic analysis was employed to analyse the collected data. Findings: Findings show that training internal migrants with the necessary craftsmanship skills will enhance economic growth. The main issues facing young adults’ internal migrations are clustered into six groups. Among the recommendations is establishing a friendly modified Nigerian Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) to manage the apprenticeship scheme for the young adult internal migrants interested in embracing construction craftsmanship. Originality/value: In the context of internal migrants into construction craftsmanship, this study contributes to the academic community debates. It reawakens policymakers and other stakeholders to formally or informally internalise apprenticeship for internal migrants wishing to embrace construction craftsmanship. A friendly, modified NSQF will improve competencies and job opportunities for the migrant artisans. © 2025, Emerald Publishing Limited.
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