By Deborah Naa Aku Allotey
Tema, July 6, GNA – Some youth in Tema are enthusiastically embracing vocational training, by enrolling and acquiring various skills to position themselves for their future livelihoods.
They are also seizing opportunities in vocational training sector to contribute to the community’s productivity and Ghana’s economic growth.
In the Ghana News Agency’s (GNA) interaction with some of them, they said their interest in vocational training was based on its practical skills, a shorter skill acquisition period compared with university programmes, and its lower cost.
They said these vocational programmes were designed to be directly relevant to the needs of the local job market, offering them a clear pathway to employment or self-employment.
Mr Daniel Ofori, a carpenter, told the GNA that vocational training compared to traditional education includes a shorter duration of study, lower costs, and a direct focus on job readiness.
“Vocational training often leads to quicker employment opportunities in high-demand fields,” he added.
Mr Ofori noted that vocational training was becoming more valuable, explaining that many industries needed specific skills that traditional education might not always provide, opening up more job opportunities for vocational training graduates.
He emphasized that the demand for skilled workers had increased in recent years due to technological advancements.
On his part, Mr Kwame Arhin, a barber, mentioned that skilled training programmes were crucial for the community, explaining that they provide a skilled workforce and empower young people to build their future, creating a beneficial situation for the community.
Madam Gifty Opoku, a hairdresser, stated that long-term career prospects for vocational and technical graduates could be promising, especially in high-demand fields.
“Many vocational graduates find stable employment and have opportunities for further education and advancement in their careers,” she said.
Madam Opoku advised the youth to consider vocational training and research different programmes thoroughly, speak with skilled workers and consider their career goals and interests before making career decisions.
GNA
Edited by Laudia Sawer/Lydia Kukua Asamoah