By Yussif Ibrahim
Kumasi, Dec. 18, GNA – The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), in partnership with the Ghana TVET Service (GTVETS), has launched a Skills Demand and Supply Analysis Project in the Ashanti Region with the aim of addressing gaps in the supply of TVET skills to the job market.
The project seeks to conduct a thorough analysis of the supply of skills offered by TVET institutions in the region and the demand from industry.
The goal, among other things, is for the GTVETS to gain invaluable insights into how it could better prepare learners for the challenges ahead in their careers and enhance their employability.
Beyond identifying and addressing gaps in the demand and supply of critical skills in the TVET space, the project also seeks to create pathways for sustainable employment, decent jobs and economic growth in the Ashanti Region.
In line with the inclusion TVET in its country programme for 2023-2027, UNICEF is providing technical and funding support for the project being implemented by the GTVETS.
The project was launched at the closing of a capacity building training for the mechanical department facilitators of the Kumasi Technical Institute (KTI) in Kumasi.
The five-week intensive training funded by UNICEF was to build the capacity of the facilitators in Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Milling and Lathe Machining to ensure effective transfer of knowledge to learners.
Mr. Osama Makkawi, UNICEF Ghana Representative, said the collaboration was important to see a more fit for purpose TVET education and one that responded to the 21st century requirement.
He said despite positive efforts being made by the government, challenges such as youth unemployment and underemployment persist largely due to growing mismatch in skills taught in school and those demanded by the job market.
Barriers such as insufficient technical and soft skills, limited access to training and literacy gaps, continue to hinder young people from securing meaningful employment, the UNICEF Ghana Representative pointed out.
He also spoke about structural challenges such as coordination, insufficient evidence, inadequate public and private partnership, gender inequality and lack of career guidance.
These challenges and mindsets, he noted, must change now to adapt to the fast-changing realities across the globe.
“Addressing these challenges requires a strong and well-structured TVET system, one that can deliver skills that young people need to succeed,” he argued.
He said majority of Ghana’s demographic configuration consisted of young people below the age of 25 years, representing over 56 per cent of the total population which is growing at a rate of 2.5 per cent annually.
The situation, according to Mr. Makkawi, makes it imperative for Ghana to invest in young people, especially the vulnerable ones, adding that, TVET presents the pathway to achieving that.
Mr. David Prah, Director General of Ghana TVET Service, said Ghana’s economy was intrinsically tied to the skills of its people and stressed the importance of transforming TVET into a powerful engine of growth, innovation and prosperity for all.
He reaffirmed the commitment of GTVETS to deliver quality technical and vocational education across the country, while working closely with partners to create more opportunities for skills development.
He applauded UNICEF Ghana for the enormous technical and financial support for the TVET sector over the years.
GNA