The US Consulate General in Lagos has teamed up with the Field of Skills and Dreams VTE Academy to launch the Emerging Technicians Conference, aimed at equipping young Nigerian technicians with essential skills for career success and business sustainability.
Speaking at the American Corner in Lagos, Acting US Consul General JoEllen Gorg reaffirmed the US government’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and small business growth in Nigeria.
“Technicians and artisans are vital to a thriving economy. By providing entrepreneurship training, resources, and networking opportunities, we are championing high-quality craftsmanship and empowering the next generation of technicians,” Gorg stated.
Executive Director of Field of Skills and Dreams VTE Academy, Omowale Ogunrinde, emphasized the need for aligning technical workforce training with evolving technological advancements.
“This initiative invests in one of Nigeria’s most valuable resources — its youth. By nurturing local talent in key technical fields, we can accelerate innovation and economic growth,” Ogunrinde said.
The programme has selected 120 emerging technicians from fields such as plumbing, electrical work, automobile mechanics, HVAC, solar systems, data science, and web development for a six-month mentorship initiative.
Participants will receive hands-on training in business management, branding, marketing, customer service, and accounting, enhancing their chances of securing financing and scaling their businesses.
Industry leaders, including U.S. Consulate Facilities Manager Cynthia Gwaro, Equinix West Africa’s Dr Christiana Okenla, and Daikin’s Zansi Adebowale, provided insights during the conference.
Over the next six months, participants will continue working with the Field of Skills and Dreams Academy to apply their training, grow their businesses, and contribute to Nigeria’s economic development.
