The U.S. Consulate General in Lagos has launched the Emerging Technicians Conference, a transformative initiative in partnership with the Field of Skills and Dreams VTE Academy. This groundbreaking program aims to equip 120 young Nigerian technicians with in-demand skills, positioning them for success in an evolving digital economy.
The selected participants, drawn from various fields—including plumbing, electrical work, automobile mechanics, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), solar system design and installation, data science, and web development—will undergo an intensive six-month mentorship program designed to enhance their technical expertise and business acumen.
Speaking at the launch event held at the American Corner Ikeja, Acting U.S. Consul General JoEllen Gorg reiterated the U.S. Mission’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and supporting small businesses in Nigeria. She emphasized that technical training not only creates jobs but also strengthens economic resilience and drives innovation, trade, and investment between the United States and Nigeria.
“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 succeed in an ever-changing job market.”
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Participants at the conference received practical insights into key aspects of business management, branding, marketing, customer service, and financial planning, equipping them with the tools needed to scale their businesses and attract funding opportunities. Industry leaders, including Cynthia Gwaro, U.S. Consulate General Facilities Manager; Dr. Christiana Okenla, Head of Customer Relations at Equinix West Africa; and Zansi Adebowale, Key Accounts Manager for Anglophone West Africa at Daikin, engaged with the trainees, offering mentorship and real-world strategies for navigating the competitive business landscape.
Omowale Ogunrinde, Executive Director of Field of Skills and Dreams VTE Academy, underscored the importance of aligning workforce training with technological advancements. “This initiative invests in one of Nigeria’s most valuable resources—its youth,” she said. “By nurturing local talent in key technical fields, we can accelerate innovation and economic growth.”
For Khadijat Ajagbe, an HVAC technician and one of the program’s beneficiaries, the experience has been life-changing. “The Emerging Technicians Conference has equipped me with essential business and technical skills, from fostering industry connections to understanding how innovation drives business growth,” she shared. “Learning from experienced professionals has been truly impactful.”
In the coming weeks, the trainees will continue working with the Field of Skills and Dreams VTE Academy, applying their newfound knowledge to refine their crafts, expand their businesses, and contribute to Nigeria’s long-term economic growth. With the backing of the U.S. Consulate, this initiative is poised to create lasting opportunities, drive sustainable development, and position Nigeria’s youth at the forefront of the global tech revolution.
