The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) has unveiled a Consultancy Apprenticeship Programme designed to mentor and equip young female engineers with practical, industry-ready skills.
According to the Lagos Chapter, the initiative, known as SECAP, goes beyond conventional mentorship by offering participants the opportunity to train with established consulting firms, work on live projects, and gain real industry exposure that can lead to tangible job placements.
The association confirmed that 200 young female engineers have already registered for the programme. The Lagos Chapter noted that this is a direct step toward bridging the gender gap in engineering by ensuring that more women not only enter the field but also thrive within it. APWEN added that the initiative builds on recent progress, citing the employment of over 20 of its members by the Dangote Group through its Graduate Trainee Programme last month.
At the launch, the Association for Consulting Engineering in Nigeria (ACEN) co-hosted the event. The ACEN president, alongside founding APWEN member and ACEN managing director Funmilayo Kadri, lent support to the initiative.
Kadri emphasized the value of mentorship in shaping careers, stressing that guidance, shared experience, and encouragement remain critical for young engineers entering the workforce. She highlighted that while the field of consulting engineering is demanding, it offers rewarding opportunities for those willing to persevere.
She added that the new programme is not just about training but about building a community of women engineers who will support one another and create opportunities for future generations.
