By Elizabeth Larkwor Baah
Tema, Oct. 03, GNA — Sixty-six young people gained first-hand exposure to career opportunities, workplace expectations and professional environments through a career fair and workplace visit, organised by SOS Children’s Villages Ghana, with support from DHL under its GoTeach partnership.
The initiative formed part of a five-day GoTeach Employability and Entrepreneurial Skills Boot Camp held in Tema to equip young people with practical skills, knowledge and confidence to transition successfully from tertiary education into employment, entrepreneurship and other career pathways.
The boot camp, held on the theme “Equipping Young People with the Right Skill Sets for a Better Future,” brought together 66 participants, comprising 38 males and 28 females.
Mr Godknows Kporha, the Youth Development Advisor at SOS Children’s Villages in Ghana, said exposing young people to professionals and actual workplace environments was important in preparing them for the world of work.
“Giving young people the opportunity to interact with professionals and experience the workplace helps them connect what they learn in the classroom with the realities of the world of work,” he stated.
Mr Kporha said such exposure enabled young people to gain a better understanding of employer expectations, professional conduct, career opportunities and the skills required to succeed in different professional environments.
He added that the platform encouraged participants to take greater ownership of their career journeys by identifying their interests, asking questions, exploring opportunities, and developing the skills needed to pursue their aspirations.
The career fair and workplace visit provided participants with opportunities to engage directly with professionals, ask questions about career pathways, understand employer expectations, and gain practical insights into professional environments.
The engagements also enabled participants to better understand how knowledge and skills acquired through education could be applied in real workplace settings, while exposing them to different career options and opportunities for professional growth.
The career fair brought together representatives from DHL, AmaliTech, Ajike and Africa ICT Right, who interacted with the participants on career development, workplace expectations, professional growth and opportunities within their respective sectors.
Through the discussions, participants were asked questions, sought professional guidance and gained insights into the realities of the labour market as well as establish professional connections that could potentially support future mentorship, internships and career development.
The participants paid a visit to the Blow Group of Companies in Tema, where they toured the beverage production facility, observed different stages of the production process, and interacted with staff, learning about different roles and responsibilities within the organisation.
The initiative formed part of a five-day GoTeach Employability and Entrepreneurial Skills Boot Camp organised in Tema to equip young people with practical skills, knowledge and confidence to navigate the transition from tertiary education into employment, entrepreneurship and other career pathways
It was designed to complement academic education with practical employability and entrepreneurial skills while strengthening participants’ confidence and preparedness for employment, entrepreneurship and other professional opportunities.
The programme covered areas including goal setting and decision-making, time management and productivity, financial management, entrepreneurship and innovation, digital literacy, communication, public speaking, leadership, CV writing, job searching and interview skills.
GNA
Edited by Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo/ Christabel Addo
Reporter: Elizabeth Larkwor Baah, GNA
Email: elizabeth.baah.gna.org.gh