Women engineers receive new initiative from APWEN and ACEN
The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), Lagos Chapter, has launched an exciting new initiative – the 'SheEngineers Consultancy Apprenticeship Programme' (SECAP). The programme, introduced in partnership with the Association for Consulting Engineering in Nigeria (ACEN), aims to equip young female engineers with industry-standard training to become experts and future employers.
The launch of SECAP took place on International Youth Day, and was held virtually. Dr Atinuke Owolabi, Chairperson of APWEN Lagos, expressed her enthusiasm, stating that SECAP aims to equip young female engineers with the skills necessary to excel in their careers. Over 200 young engineers have already registered for the programme.
One of the key collaborations that SECAP represents is with the Dangote Group, which has employed over 20 APWEN young engineers through its Graduate Trainee Programme. This collaboration demonstrates the creation of tangible career pathways for female engineers.
APWEN's vision to elevate women engineers into leadership and technical excellence aligns with ACEN's mandate to strengthen consulting engineering practice. Kam-Selem Bukar, ACEN President, commended Dr Owolabi for her efforts and emphasized the importance of gender inclusion in engineering.
Bukar also highlighted the significance of strong engineering solutions in infrastructure, energy, water, housing, transport, and digital innovation for Nigeria's development. He noted that while women make up a significant portion of the STEM pipeline, they are underrepresented in senior technical and consulting leadership roles due to service barriers, limited sponsorship, and a reliance on informal networks.
Funmilayo Kadiri, ACEN Managing Director, echoed these sentiments, stating that the field of engineering is dynamic, challenging, and rewarding, with obstacles and opportunities arising. She urged mentees to embrace guidance from their mentors, who will encourage, support, and sometimes push them to think beyond their limits.
Kadiri also expressed her gratitude to the mentors for investing their time and wisdom, noting that their impact would extend far beyond the present. She encouraged young engineers to enter the field, as it offers a promising future.
The co-host of the SECAP launch, Bukar, was also commended by Dr Owolabi for championing gender inclusion in engineering. He praised APWEN's commitment to elevating women engineers and emphasized the importance of such initiatives in driving the future of Nigeria's engineering and economic development.
In conclusion, the launch of SECAP marks a significant step towards gender inclusion in the engineering sector. The programme offers young female engineers a unique opportunity to train with established consulting firms and be absorbed into their teams, creating a strong foundation for Nigeria's future engineers.
