US Consulate partners firm to empower technicians
The US Consulate General in Lagos has pledged continued support for vocational training in Nigeria, partnering with Field of Skills and Dreams to equip technicians and artisans with critical skills for economic growth.
Nigeria faces a rising demand for skilled workers, particularly in the construction, manufacturing, and technology sectors. Despite high youth unemployment, many businesses report difficulty in finding qualified artisans and technicians.
Acting US Consul-General, JoEllen Gorg, made the commitment at the Emerging Technicians Conference in Lagos on Friday, highlighting the importance of skilled labour in driving innovation and sustaining industries.
“You are vital to a thriving economy,” Gorg said. “Your skills and hard work drive economic growth, spark innovation, and improve lives. Whether you are a carpenter, electrician, plumber, or mechanic, your contributions are invaluable.”
She urged participants to take advantage of the training and networking opportunities at the conference, emphasising the need for continuous skill development to remain competitive in a fast-changing labour market.
Gorg underscored the US government’s broader efforts to support Nigerian youth through exchange programmes such as the Young African Leaders Initiative, the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs, and the International Business Leadership Programme.
“The US is deeply committed to supporting Nigerian youth as they navigate the evolving landscape of employment, innovation, and entrepreneurship,” she said.
She also pointed to the contributions of US companies such as Microsoft and Google, which provide digital skills training to help young Nigerians compete in the global job market.
“In addition to exchange programmes, the US private sector is heavily invested in Nigeria. Companies like Microsoft and Google are training young people eager to enter the workforce with 21st-century skills,” Gorg said.
She encouraged participants to actively engage with facilitators, ask critical questions, and apply the knowledge gained to enhance their careers.
FSD, a vocational, technical, and entrepreneurship training academy, has trained over 20,000 people across 14 states in Nigeria since its inception.
The academy provides free training programmes through partnerships with organisations such as the US Consulate, which has supported various initiatives aimed at youth empowerment.
FSD Founder Omowale Ogunrinde said the conference was designed to expose technicians to insights from successful entrepreneurs and industry leaders.
“The main purpose of the conference is to upscale and empower technicians. While it’s not possible to achieve this in just one day, the event is designed to point them in the right direction by bringing together successful entrepreneurs who share their stories and experiences,” Ogunrinde said.
The founder highlighted her long standing collaboration with the Consulate, dating back to 2006, noting that she had drawn inspiration from its conferences and initiatives to establish similar programs in Nigeria.
The conference reflects FSD’s broader mission to provide accessible skills training and entrepreneurial support, fostering opportunities for young Nigerians to build sustainable careers.
