The Co-Workshop and Tool Empowerment Initiative (CTE), a flagship project of *CTE Project Limited* in collaboration with the *Ogbara Kafilat Foundation* , continues to make significant strides following its successful flag-off event on July 31, 2024. With a mission to bridge the gap in access to skills, tools, shared workspaces, and market opportunities, CTE remains committed to empowering artisans, entrepreneurs, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with the necessary resources to thrive.
Assessing Needs and Developing a Roadmap for Impact
Since its launch, CTE has engaged in extensive focus group meetings and co-creation sessions with key trade associations, including the *Lagos State Council of Tradesmen and Artisans (LASCOTA), the Motor Mechanics Association of Nigeria (MOMTAN), and the Nigeria Welders Association (NWA).* These engagements have led to the registration of over *2,000 skilled professionals* across various fields and a comprehensive needs assessment survey.
*Findings from the survey identified three critical sectors requiring urgent intervention:*
* *Beauty Industry Professionals* – including makeup artists, barbers, nail technicians, and hairstylists.
* *Construction and Maintenance Workers* – including carpenters, plumbers, electricians, and bricklayers.
* *Mechanics and Auto Technicians* – who lack proper workspaces and seek opportunities for compressed natural gas (CNG) conversion training.
With these insights, CTE has developed a strategic roadmap and implementation plan, with training and capacity building as the first critical intervention.
*Upskilling and Capacity Building: Laying the Foundation for Growth*
In response to the identified skill gaps, CTE has launched *a Train-the-Trainer program* , ensuring that experienced professionals receive industry-standard training that they can replicate within their communities. This initiative is being delivered through strategic partnerships with globally recognized brands such as *Bosch Tools, Total Tools, Sleek Make-Up, Oraimo, Hair by Julie, and Nigeria Gas and Transport Solutions Limited.*
Through this structured approach, CTE is positioning itself as a driving force in elevating industry standards while enabling skilled professionals to leverage new tools, technologies, and techniques.
*Training Milestones Achieved*
*In November 2024* , CTE, in partnership with Sleek Make-Up, facilitated a Train-the-Trainer program for makeup artists, selecting and training ten top professionals from LASCOTA *at no cost.*
*In December 2024* , a CNG Installation Train-the-Trainer program was conducted, providing specialized training for thirty members of MOMTAN, NATA, and LASCOTA *free of charge.*
These trainings have set the stage for a broader impact, where trained professionals are equipped to transfer knowledge and skills to others within their respective industries.
*Upcoming Bosch Tools Power Tool Training – February 13, 2025*
As part of its commitment to continuous learning and empowerment, CTE will deliver the Bosch Tools Power Tool Training on *February 13, 2025 at no cost to participants.* This training will provide skilled professionals, including plumbers, electricians, furniture makers, and tilers, with hands-on experience using advanced power tools.
A key component of the program is the multiplier effect: each participant who completes the training will be required to train at least twenty additional individuals before the end of 2025, ensuring the knowledge gained is widely disseminated and contributes to job creation and economic growth.
*Expanding Access to Tools, Workspaces, and Market Opportunities*
Building on these capacity-building efforts, CTE has outlined key expansion plans for the fourth quarter of 2025:
* *Onboarding skilled professionals onto the CTE platform* , allowing customers to easily locate and hire their services.
* *Launching a shared workspace for beauty industry professionals* , including makeup artists, barbers, hairstylists, and nail technicians.
* *Establishing a tool rental hub in Kosofe* , providing affordable access to essential equipment such as power drills, grinders, and circular saws.
* Introducing an auction program where professionals can bid for essential tools, ensuring that those in need can acquire them at subsidized rates.
**Empowering the Underserved: A Renewed Hope for MSMEs*
Speaking on the initiative, *Olutayo Solarin, Founder of CTE* , emphasized the need for equitable access to tools, training, and workspaces. He highlighted that upon completing their training, artisans will be onboarded onto the CTE platform, connecting them directly with customers.
He further stated, “At CTE, we are committed to *reducing inequality* by providing MSMEs with structured and affordable access to essential resources. Our vision aligns with the *Renewed Hope* agenda, ensuring that skilled professionals, regardless of background, can access tools, workspaces, and market opportunities through our decentralized network of tool rental centers and shared workshops.”
Solarin also noted that the CTE model eliminates the burden of tool ownership, enhances cost efficiency, and fosters innovation through shared resources. As the initiative scales, CTE will continue to forge partnerships to expand its impact across Lagos and beyond
For further information, media inquiries, or registration for upcoming training programs, please contact:
Olutayo Solarin
Phone: 08145223553
Website: www.cte.com.ng
Email: [email protected]