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GE, the American Industrial giant, has announced the graduation of the third batch of 28 young Nigerian entrepreneurs from its Lagos Garage training programme, according to a statement on Wednesday.

The new graduates, who joined the programme in the first week of June, received four weeks of training on advanced manufacturing technology and business development.

During the programme, participants interacted with the latest manufacturing technologies, including 3D printers and laser cutters that enable innovation through rapid prototyping. Participants were also exposed to a variety of world-class instructors and technical experts who not only provided mentorship, but also support on developing their business ideas.

Patricia Obozuwa, the Director of Communications and Public Affairs at GE Africa, said that the GE Lagos Garage initiative was created to build Nigerian knowledge and capability which will ultimately lead to the creation of more businesses and jobs. Obozuwa expressed the belief that the GE Lagos Garage programme will create new innovators who will lead and drive Nigeria’s manufacturing sector in the near future.

“We are very passionate about skills development in Nigeria and as such, are proud to have trained 95 young Nigerian entrepreneurs till date, since the launch of the Lagos Garage hub in November 2016,” said Obozuwa. “The Garage graduates have been empowered to transform their ideas into practical business models which in little time will have a positive impact on the Nigerian economy by empowering people to create jobs for themselves.”

GE created the Garages experience in March 2012 to reinvigorate America’s interest in invention, innovation, and manufacturing. In 2014, Garages went global with its first international exhibition in Lagos, Nigeria. Given the success of the 2014 pilot programme, in November 2016, GE launched the permanent installation of The Lagos Garage in alignment with the federal government’s focus on driving localization and job creation.