By James Esuon
Agona Asafo (C/R), Dec 5, GNA – Dr Richard Arthur, Director, Richnation Engineering Limited, has urged the youth to take full advantage of the Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) to acquire employable skills to contribute meaningfully to society.
TVET remained the sole cornerstone of national development to power the country ‘s Industrial Revolution and reduce unemployment and abject poverty, he said.
Dr Arthur said this at the graduation ceremony of Niroy Flairs Creative Institute at Agona Swedru in the Central Region where 120
students graduated after six to 12 months of study.
The graduands underwent competency based training in cosmetology and garment making and received certificates in National Proficiency I and II, and National Certificate I and II.
Dr Arthur, who was the guest speaker, noted that the acquisition of technical and vocational skills by the youth was the only solution to eliminating dependency on government for jobs.
It was, therefore, incumbent on the youth, especially young women, to enroll in TVET because it would create the avenue to also learn information and communication technology to to remain competitive in their chosen careers, he said.
Dr Arthur cited the economies of Japan, Germany, United Kingdom, and Singapore, which had become robust because of technology and stressed the need to build relevant skills to remain employable in this competitive era.
He called on the government to invest heavily in TVET to become the driving force for the country’s socio-economic advancement.
Mrs Dorinda Yankson, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Niroy Flairs Creative Institute, renewed her appeal to the government and non-governmental organizations, corporate bodies, and financial institutions to support the school to train more youth to create jobs for themselves.
She said it was unpardonable for young people to complain about lack of jobs when they could take advantage of TVET to acquire skills.
‘’We are formalising the informal sector to help care for the many unemployed youth to acquire employable skills that will spur them on to live meaningful lives’’ she said.
She urged members of Parliament and other high profile personalities in Agona East and beyond to sponsor underprivileged students in their constituencies to acquire TVET skills.
Mrs Yankson said TVET education was offering university students and other professionals, including teachers and bankers, top-up skills to create some “side jobs” to earn extra income.
“Our institution is guided by its vision to become the leading catalyst of socio-economic transformation in Africa ,” said said.
Some of the graduates, who spoke to the media expressed joy for the successful completion of their courses.
Ms Gloria Afari, a graduand, said aside the skills acquired, the students were also taught how to start businesses with little capital and optimize the internet for branding and sales.
An exhibition to showcase individual skills and handiworks, as well as a fashion show was mounted for parents to appreciate their works.
GNA