Ghana Apprenticeship Training Program Launched: 50,000 to Acquire Job Skills

Ghana is making significant investments in its future workforce with the launch of the Ghana Apprenticeship Program (GAP). This comprehensive program aims to provide competency-based training to 50,000 people, bridging the gap between traditional apprenticeships and the demands of modern jobs.

Benefit for Everyone

• Unemployed and underemployed: Individuals looking for skills and jobs can receive valuable training through the GAP.
• Graduates from colleges and universities: Graduates can improve their employability with practical skills.
• National Service Completers: Those who complete national service can learn new skills or retrain for another career.
• Master Craftsmen, Apprentices and Workers: The program supports existing apprenticeships and enhances the skills of both teachers and trainees.
• Cooperatives and trade associations: These organizations can benefit from a better skilled workforce.
• Private companies and labor: Companies have access to a pool of qualified workers.
• Training providers: Public and private training institutions can participate in offering internship programs.

Modernizing apprenticeship systems:

• Formalized Training Providers: GAP is introducing a network of approved training providers to ensure quality and consistency.
• Standardized Curricula: Education programs follow established guidelines to ensure that relevant skills are taught.
• Quality Assurance Framework: A system will be put in place to monitor and maintain high standards in apprenticeships.

Change Focus:

• Competency-Based Approach: GAP prioritizes practical skills and industry-specific knowledge over theoretical learning alone.
• Meeting Industry Needs: The program aims to equip students with the skills that companies are actively seeking.

The Government’s Commitment To TVET:

• Revamp TVET: Government recognizes the importance of technical and vocational education (TVET) and is taking steps to modernize it.
• Five-Year Strategic Plan: A comprehensive plan will guide the development of TVET in Ghana.
• Past Initiatives: Projects such as the TVET Voucher £ project have benefited thousands of students.

Investing In The Future:

• Sustainable Funding: GAP provides a reliable source of funding for apprenticeship programmes.
• Improved Perception: Government initiatives such as the “MyTVET campaign” aim to make TVET careers more attractive to young people.
• Increase In Enrollments: TVET enrollments have increased significantly since 2017, reflecting growing interest in these programs.
• Dealing With Challenges: Low skilled balance: GAP aims to break the cycle of low expectations and underskilled workers in Ghana.
• Skills Shortages: The program focuses on developing the highly and semi-specialized skilled workforce that Ghana needs.
• Underutilized Potential: Apprenticeship programs have historically been underutilized, and GAP is committed to unlocking their full potential.

A Joint Effort:

The success of GAP depends on the cooperation between:

• Employers offer internships.
• Training providers who deliver the training programs.
• The informal sector which plays a role in skill development.

A Better Future For The Ghanaian Workforce:

By providing relevant skills training and fostering collaboration, GAP has the potential to significantly improve the Ghanaian workforce to the benefit of individuals, businesses and the entire economy.