By Isaac Arkoh
Cape Coast, Aug 09, GNA – The Social Welfare Girls Technical Institute in Cape Coast, has held its fourth graduation ceremony for 94 students with a call on students to adapt to technological changes reshaping the job market to remain competitive.
Dr Rosaline Love MacArthur, a Lecturer at the Department of Vocational and Technical Education at the University of Cape Coast, who made the call said advances in digital marketing and artificial intelligence were creating new opportunities and new expectations for young professionals across all sectors.
She urged the graduates to go beyond their certificates by building strong professional reputations online and offline, stressing that competence in practical tasks must be matched by an ability to present skills digitally.
She cited examples like online portfolios, social-media branding and basic data-literacy as essential tools for modern careers.
She said: “A certificate might open the first door, but long-term success depended on character and consistency.
“Employers and clients will judge you not only by your papers but by your reliability, work ethic and how you adapt to new technologies.”
The 94 graduates undertook courses in fashion designing and technology, hospitality and catering management, hair technology and beauty therapy.
The ceremony was on the theme: “Educated, Skilled and Ready for the World,” and it was well attended by parents and guardians.
Additionally, Dr MacArthur called on the graduates to embrace lifelong learning and to seek mentorship and internships that would let them demonstrate their abilities in real-world settings.
She said those who combined technical competence with integrity and persistence would be best placed to build sustainable careers in the digital age.
Mrs Benedicta Anita Mensah, the Regional Manager of the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, expressed strong support for start-ups particularly graduates to realise their dreams.
She advised graduates to formalise their businesses, employ others and work hard to improve upon their skills.
Ms Diana Atswei Sowah, the headmistress, noted that the institution had chalked many successes but had faced challenges such as poor infrastructure, inadequate dormitories and classrooms and lack of proper school fencing.
She urged the graduates to embrace opportunities that came their way, remain curious and adaptable and never stop learning.
The Headmistress appealed to industry partners and government to open their doors to the graduates by offering contracts and internships so they could demonstrate their abilities.
The Social Welfare Girls Institute, formerly the Social Welfare Girls Vocational Training Centre, was established in 1986 to provide street girls and young women with entrepreneurial training and technical education.
At that time, the school commenced with about six students.
GNA
Edited by Alice Tettey/Benjamin Mensah
Reporter: Isaac Arkoh
Reporter’s email address: [email protected]