The US Consulate General in Lagos has teamed up with the Field of Skills and Dreams VTE Academy to launch the Emerging Technicians Conference, a new initiative aimed at equipping young Nigerian technicians with the essential skills to excel in their trades and build sustainable businesses.
In a statement released on Wednesday, February 26, JoEllen Gorg, Acting US Consul General, made the announcement during a goodwill address at the American Corner in Lagos. She highlighted the long-standing commitment of the United States to fostering entrepreneurship and supporting small businesses across Nigeria.
Gorg emphasised that promoting economic resilience through technical training is critical for job creation, expanding opportunities for young people, and driving innovation.
She also pointed out that this initiative would contribute to mutually beneficial trade and investment, strengthening the economic ties between the two countries.
“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 to thrive in an ever-changing job market,” Gorg stated.
Omowale Ogunrinde, Executive Director of the Field of Skills and Dreams VTE Academy, also spoke at the event, underscoring the importance of adapting workforce training to keep pace with rapid technological advancements.
Ogunrinde explained that investing in Nigeria’s youth, especially in key technical fields, is crucial for accelerating both innovation and economic growth.
“This initiative invests in one of Nigeria’s most valuable resources — its youth. By nurturing local talent, we can significantly boost innovation and drive the nation’s economic progress,” Ogunrinde said.
One participant, Khadijat Ajagbe, an HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) technician, described her experience as invaluable.
“The Emerging Technicians Conference has equipped me with essential business and technical skills, from fostering industry connections to understanding how innovation drives business growth. Learning from experienced professionals has been truly impactful,” Ajagbe remarked.
The programme has selected 120 emerging technicians from diverse technical fields, including plumbing, electrical work, automobile mechanics, HVAC, solar system design and installation, data science, and web development.
Over six months, these participants will receive mentorship designed to enhance their entrepreneurial skills and prepare them for future business opportunities.
The conference offered participants insights into the evolving landscape of in-demand technical fields and the importance of continuous skills development.
It also highlighted the role of innovation in career success, with a focus on business management, branding, marketing, customer service, and accounting processes. These skills are essential for scaling businesses and improving access to future financing opportunities.
Among the industry experts who participated in the conference were U.S. Consulate General Facilities Manager Cynthia Gwaro, Dr Christiana Okenla, Head of Customer Relations at Equinix West Africa, and Zansi Adebowale, Key Accounts Manager for Anglophone West Africa at Daikin.
These professionals shared valuable knowledge and connected the participants with resources to help them grow their businesses.
Looking ahead, the participants will continue working with the Field of Skills and Dreams VTE Academy to apply the skills they have gained, scale their businesses, and contribute to Nigeria’s long-term economic growth and development.
