Accra, June 25, GNA – Hundreds of young people trained under the Precision Quality™ (PQ) Internship Programme have graduated in Accra, marking a significant milestone in efforts to improve youth employability and entrepreneurship in Ghana.
Organised by Accents & Art Limited, in partnership with the Design and Technology Institute (DTI) and the Mastercard Foundation, the graduation and exhibition ceremony brought together graduates, industry players, academia and development partners to celebrate the completion of training and showcase projects developed by the interns.
Since its inception in April 2025, the programme has enrolled over 4,129 young people nationwide and trained more than 1,399 across centres in Accra, Ho, Tamale and Kumasi.
At the ceremony, more than 800 interns graduated in the Accra cohort.
Ms Bernice Gavor, General Manager of Accents & Art Limited and Programme Manager of the PQ Internship, said the initiative was designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry by equipping young people with practical, job-ready skills.
“This programme is targeted at young people who are not in education, employment or training and are seeking opportunities to advance their skills. It is completely free and fully sponsored by the Mastercard Foundation,” she said.
She noted that the theme for this year’s graduation, “Smart Skills, Sustainable Communities,” underscored the importance of using technical skills to address societal challenges.
“Technical skills are no longer merely a pathway to employment. They are increasingly tools for solving some of society’s most pressing challenges,” Ms Gavor stated.
She said 182 graduates had already secured employment, while others were being supported to pursue entrepreneurship.
“Our ambition extends beyond employability. We are equally committed to nurturing entrepreneurs and empowering young people to create opportunities for themselves and others,” she added.
Ms Gavor announced that selected graduates would receive starter packs and seed funding to support their businesses, noting that five graduate-led enterprises would receive $1,000 each to scale their operations.
She also disclosed plans for a Jobs and Opportunities Fair scheduled for July 17 to connect graduates with employers and investors.
Mr George Sarpong, Board Chairman of Accents & Art, in a keynote address, urged the graduates to apply their knowledge to solving real community challenges such as flooding, waste management and climate-related issues.
“You are not here to be spectators of change; you are here to be architects of it,” he said.
Mr Sarpong emphasised the need for practical solutions driven by technical and vocational training.
“The knowledge you have acquired should be used to develop products and services that solve community problems. That is how we build sustainable communities,” he stated.
He said Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) was gaining relevance in Ghana, adding: “In the past, TVET had a poor perception, but that is changing. People are realising that it is key to development.”
A representative of the programme facilitators explained that the exhibition featured projects developed by interns based on challenges identified within their communities, including recycling plastic waste and improving drainage systems to reduce flooding.
Dr Marcia Conston, President of Tidewater Community College in the United States, who attended the event as the guest of honour, commended the initiative and described it as impactful.
“I feel overwhelmed by what I am seeing here today. This is a wonderful demonstration of how skills training can transform lives and communities,” she said.
Some graduates expressed appreciation for the programme, highlighting its impact on their personal and professional development.
Ms Aisha Harding, a participant, said: “My experience has been very rewarding. I have gained professional skills, especially in teamwork and emotional intelligence, and I now feel confident entering the world of work.”
Organisers reiterated their commitment to expanding the programme and strengthening Ghana’s workforce through industry-relevant skills training.
Activities at the event included project exhibitions, presentation of certificates and a networking session to promote collaboration between industry and academia.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade