By Erica Apeatua Addo
Akoon (W/R), Dec. 20, GNA – Dr Catherine Kuupol Kuutor, the Tarkwa Mine Manager of Gold Fields Ghana Limited (GFGL), has urged employers to recruit graduates of the Community Youth Apprenticeship Training (CYAT) programme, to boost business growth.
She said the fifteen youth, consisting of five females and ten males from the Tarkwa Mine host communities, had undergone proper training, and if given the opportunity they would not be disappointed.
At the graduation ceremony in Akoon, Madam Kuutor, said the initiative, which was being piloted, focused on domestic and industrial electrification, adding that the programme was being delivered in collaboration with the Mac Partners Training Institute at Obuasi.
She said the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation (GFGF) invested USD 106, 730.25 in the implementation of the CYAT Programme, reflecting their strong belief in the potential of these young people and the value of skills-based transformation.
Beyond classroom learning, these apprentices had gained practical experience through a three-month industrial attachment with Alqu Rubber and Engineering Solutions, giving them an opportunity to apply their knowledge, understand industry expectations, and build confidence in their abilities, she said.
Again, they had completed entrepreneurship training designed to equip them with essential skills for business setup and management, adding, this has position them not only as job seekers but as future owners of electrical services enterprises and potential employers in their communities.
Madam Kuutor said, in addition to the training, all the trainees sat for the National Vocational and Training Institute (NVTI) and Energy Commission examinations, and they all passed the NVTI exams.
However, she said three of the trainees were unable to pass the Energy Commission examination, but the Foundation had planned for them to rewrite the exams so they could meet the required national standards.
Mr Chris Yalley, the Deputy Executive Secretary of Energy Commission, thanked the GFGF for that remarkable initiative that had continued to demonstrate a strong commitment to skills development, youth empowerment, and community transformation.
He said as Ghana transitioned to a modern energy sector, the need for skilled workers would increase and initiatives like this programme would bridge the skills gap and align community development with industry needs.
Mr Yalley encouraged the graduates to be confident and use the skill and knowledge they had gained not to only earn a living but to demonstrate excellence wherever they went.
“You are ambassadors of this programme, and the future you shape will inspire many others,” he indicated.
He said the Energy Commission was proud to have associated with initiatives that empowered young people and strengthened Ghana’s technical capacity.
The Foundation presented full set of professional tools and the NVTI certificates to each beneficiary.
Those who passed the Energy Commission examination also received their certificates.
Students who excelled received awards and Miss Gifty Blay won the overall best student in leadership and the industrial maintenance skills and electrical instrument wards.
GNA
Edited by Justina Paaga/ Christabel Addo