In Nigeria, many skilled artisans struggle to find consistent work and make a decent living despite their expertise. 

Challenges such as the rising cost of materials and tools, limited access to job opportunities, and poor communication often leave them underemployed and financially insecure. 

Luckily, lots of platforms have emerged to combat this struggle and help artisans earn more. 

LaborHack has become one of the most prominent online platforms to hire artisans online. With a huge presence in Lagos, it is known to connect skilled artisans to businesses and individuals in need of their services.

Kayode, an AC technician with over 10 years of experience, says his previous struggle was communicating properly with clients and getting paid for his job. But since joining LaborHack, he has only ever needed to focus on providing high-quality services. 

“I’ve been with LaborHack for 3 years and there’s a lot of difference with how I used to work. Here, everybody just focuses on the one they can do and do it well. Not that I will be the only one running cable, fixing AC, and trying to talk with clients that come.” Kayode said. ‘They pay fast and even call the clients to confirm if what I’ve done is good.”

Launched in 2019, the platform supports many service providers including plumbers, welders, AC technicians, carpenters, masons, painters, solar technicians, and so much more. Its seamless interface makes it easy to sign up as an artisan, undergo a thorough vetting process, and get matched to clients in need of your service. 

Today, LaborHack has a network of over 4,500 skilled artisans enjoying a variety of benefits. 

These artisans, called LaborHack Pros are onboarded and given international certificates benchmarked against the UK Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB). This certification allows them to work anywhere in the world. 

Temitope Olaoluwa, a certified LaborHack Pro says the certification is not given easily. Only those with deep knowledge and experience in their skills can scale through. 

“LaborHack’s certification process is extremely competitive. The tests are not easy if you do not have practical experience in the field, but they are a great way to prove your skills, access more jobs, and earn better pay,” he says.

Artisans also get migration and education loan support to Canada to help them study and work in the country. Combined with the international certificates they get, these artisans can live and work anywhere in the world with their skill sets. 

LaborHack has various solutions for businesses and large organizations including; LaborHack for Construction, LaborHack for Maintenance, LaborHack for Facility Managers, and LaborHack for Installations. 

These enable them to support a wide range of businesses such as; Construction businesses

Facility management companies, Offices, SMEs, and others.

So far, LaborHack has raised $320,000 from investors such as Techstars and Future Africa and looks forward to raising $500,000 for a pre-seed round. The company’s recent traction can be accrued to partnership with its sister company OPL Academy which has about 2,000 workers including electricians, plumbers, carpenters, welders, and AC technicians.

Michael Clement, an Aluminum and Stainless Steel Fabrication expert with over 12 years of experience says he decided to join LaborHack after a conversation with the CEO where she explained how LaborHack provides more opportunities for him. 

“I met with the founder of LaborHack and we had a conversation. She told me about LaborHack, and how it’s a platform that connects artisans to jobs. I signed up and I’ve been trained in different soft skills. Now, I’m a certified LaborHack Pro. It has given me more access to jobs and various contracts.”

Before Michael joined LaborHack, his business lacked trust. Like every other artisan in Nigeria, Michael struggled to meet up with deadlines and was always hiding from clients. 

However, being on LaborHack meant he had to learn how to not only provide high-quality services but also build trust and integrity with clients. 

“I have learned how to deliver on time and meet up with client’s expectations. It has also made me build trust and integrity with the clients,” Michael said. 

LaborHack is empowering artisans to get more opportunities with their skills. They’ve partnered with Grooming Microfinance Bank to launch a Buy Now Pay Later Tool Financing Product. 

Through this collaboration, LaborHack now offers up to 80% tool financing to workers for power tools and equipment, with a repayment period of 3 to 6 months. As part of the eligibility criteria, workers will have to be registered on LaborHack and contribute a 20% down payment towards their selected tools.

As the blue-collar industry continues to evolve, LaborHack is committed to providing skilled workers with more job opportunities and greater visibility in the market while helping businesses and individuals find the right talent for their projects.

Interested in becoming a LaborHack Pro? Click here to begin the certification process.

Are you a business owner, Looking for tool financing opportunities? Click here to access the LaborHack Buy Now Pay Later Tool Financing Product