By Bunmi Yekini
In a bid to equip young Nigerian technicians with essential skills for career success, the U.S. Consulate General Lagos has teamed up with the Field of Skills and Dreams VTE Academy to launch the Emerging Technicians Conference. The initiative aims to enhance the entrepreneurial and technical capabilities of 120 emerging technicians, enabling them to build sustainable businesses.
The participants, drawn from various technical fields—including plumbing, electrical work, automobile mechanics, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), solar systems design and installation, data science, and web development—are enrolled in a six-month mentorship program designed to foster business acumen and technical expertise.
Speaking at the conference, held at the American Corner Ikeja, Acting U.S. Consul General JoEllen Gorg emphasized the U.S. Mission’s commitment to empowering Nigeria’s workforce through technical training and entrepreneurship.
“Technicians and artisans are vital to a thriving economy,” Gorg stated. “By providing entrepreneurship training, resources, and networking opportunities, we are championing high-quality craftsmanship and empowering the next generation of technicians to thrive in an ever-changing job market.”
Participants received insights on industry trends, innovation, and business management, including branding, marketing, customer service, and accounting, to improve their access to financing and scale their businesses.
Cynthia Gwaro, Facilities Manager at the U.S. Consulate, joined industry leaders such as Dr. Christiana Okenla, Head of Customer Relations at Equinix West Africa, and Zansi Adebowale, Key Accounts Manager for Anglophone West Africa at Daikin, to share valuable expertise with the attendees.
Omowale Ogunrinde, Executive Director of Field of Skills and Dreams VTE Academy, highlighted the significance of technical training in advancing Nigeria’s economy.
“This initiative invests in one of Nigeria’s most valuable resources—its youth,” Ogunrinde said. “By nurturing local talent in key technical fields, we can accelerate innovation and economic growth.”
For Khadijat Ajagbe, an HVAC technician and program participant, the conference has been a transformative experience.
“The Emerging Technicians Conference has equipped me with essential business and technical skills, from fostering industry connections to understanding how innovation drives business growth,” Ajagbe noted. “Learning from experienced professionals has been truly impactful.”
The mentorship program will continue over the next several weeks, as participants work closely with Field of Skills and Dreams VTE Academy to refine their skills, expand their businesses, and contribute to Nigeria’s economic development.