WACT-APM Terminals Nigeria has celebrated the completion of its inaugural EngineerHer cohort, marking a significant push to boost female participation in the country's maritime and engineering industries.
The one-year scheme, which kicked off in 2025, was designed to give young female engineering graduates hands-on training, workplace experience and guidance to launch their careers in the sector.
Eight women made up the first group of participants selected for the programme.
Two of them landed jobs and further study opportunities with major multinational firms before the scheme wrapped up. The remaining six graduated on June 30, with some moving into full-time roles at WACT.
The initiative seeks to develop a larger pool of female engineering professionals and tackle the significant shortage of women in technical positions, the company said.
Chinelo Obienyem, senior people business partner at WACT-APM Terminals Nigeria, said the programme aimed to "empower Nigerian women with the technical skills and competitive advantage needed to thrive in their chosen fields."
Helen Okpoo, one of the graduates, told reporters she could now "navigate the engineering profession with greater confidence and competence" following her time in the scheme.
Margaret Seignure, another participant who enrolled while pregnant, said she felt encouraged by the company's inclusive approach, having doubted whether she'd be accepted into the programme.
WACT has already begun enrolling its second EngineerHer cohort, which launched on July 1.
