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Acting U.S. Consul General JoEllen Gorg (3rd right) and Omowale Ogunrinde, Executive Director of Field of Skills and Dreams VTE Academy (3rd left) with other leading industry experts at the conference.
The US Consulate General in Lagos has partnered with the Field of Skills and Dreams VTE Academy to launch the Emerging Technicians Conference, aimed at equipping young Nigerian technicians with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their trades and build sustainable businesses.
In a statement released on Wednesday by the US Consulate and made available to PUNCH Online, the Acting US Consul General, JoEllen Gorg, disclosed this while delivering a goodwill address at the American Corner in Lagos.
Gorg reaffirmed the longstanding commitment of the US to fostering entrepreneurship and supporting small businesses in Nigeria.
Gorg stressed that promoting economic resilience through technical training creates jobs, expands opportunities for young people, drives mutually beneficial innovation, trade, and investment, and lays a strong foundation for shared prosperity between both 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.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of Field of Skills and Dreams VTE Academy, Omowale Ogunrinde, highlighted the importance of aligning technical workforce training with rapid 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.
An HVAC technician and programme participant, Khadijat Ajagbe, described the 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 added.
The Academy has selected a diverse group of 120 emerging technicians 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, for a six-month mentorship programme.
Designed to enhance entrepreneurial expertise, the conference gave participants insights into the evolving landscape of in-demand technical fields, the importance of continuous skills development, and the role of innovation in career success.
Additionally, participants networked with industry professionals and gained practical knowledge on business management, branding and marketing, customer service, and basic accounting processes to improve their access to future financing opportunities and scale their businesses.
As part of the conference, U.S. Consulate General Facilities Manager Cynthia Gwaro, alongside 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, shared valuable expertise and connected participants with resources to support their business growth.
Over the coming weeks, participants will continue working with the Field of Skills and Dreams VTE Academy to apply their newly acquired skills and knowledge, scale their businesses, and contribute to Nigeria’s long-term economic growth and development.
