Tano North MCE Applauds Government’s Apprenticeship Drive to Cut Youth Unemployment
News Desk Report
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The Tano North Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Pius Opoku, has commended President John Mahama for the implementation of the government’s flagship National Apprenticeship Program (NAP), describing it as a major intervention to reduce youth unemployment and promote economic self-reliance.
Speaking on the sidelines of a start-up tools presentation ceremony in Goaso, Mr. Opoku said the initiative fulfills a campaign promise made by President Mahama during the 2024 general elections to provide free, high-quality apprenticeship training that equips young people with industry-relevant technical, vocational and entrepreneurial skills.
The ceremony marked the distribution of start-up tools to 276 apprentices and master craft persons under Phase One of the National Apprenticeship Program in the Ahafo Region.
The Tano North Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Pius Opoku, has commended President John Mahama for the implementation of the government’s flagship National Apprenticeship Program (NAP), describing it as a major intervention to reduce youth unemployment and promote economic self-reliance.
Speaking on the sidelines of a start-up tools presentation ceremony in Goaso, Mr. Opoku said the initiative fulfills a campaign promise made by President Mahama during the 2024 general elections to provide free, high-quality apprenticeship training that equips young people with industry-relevant technical, vocational and entrepreneurial skills.
The ceremony marked the distribution of start-up tools to 276 apprentices and master craft persons under Phase One of the National Apprenticeship Program in the Ahafo Region.
Items presented included 165 hand sewing machines, 35 neat-in machines, 35 industrial sewing machines, 10 hair dryers, and other essential accessories to support vocational training and business start-ups.
The National Apprenticeship Program is being implemented by the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) and regulated by the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Service. It focuses on nine competency-based trade areas designed to address youth unemployment and bridge skills gaps in the labour market.
The trade areas include Craftsmanship and Artisanal Trades, Traditional Crafts, Fashion and Textile Trade, Beauty and Personal Care, Hospitality and Tourism, Mechanical and Electrical Trades, Automotive Maintenance, ICT and Digital Services, and Renewable and Sustainable Energy.
Under the program, beneficiaries undergo 30 percent classroom instruction and 70 percent hands-on practical training under qualified trainers and master craft persons, leading to the award of National Proficiency Certificates.
Mr. Opoku noted that the flagship apprenticeship initiative is expected to play a key role in strengthening technical and vocational skills development while reducing unemployment among young people across the country.
The National Apprenticeship Program is being implemented by the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) and regulated by the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Service. It focuses on nine competency-based trade areas designed to address youth unemployment and bridge skills gaps in the labour market.
The trade areas include Craftsmanship and Artisanal Trades, Traditional Crafts, Fashion and Textile Trade, Beauty and Personal Care, Hospitality and Tourism, Mechanical and Electrical Trades, Automotive Maintenance, ICT and Digital Services, and Renewable and Sustainable Energy.
Under the program, beneficiaries undergo 30 percent classroom instruction and 70 percent hands-on practical training under qualified trainers and master craft persons, leading to the award of National Proficiency Certificates.
Mr. Opoku noted that the flagship apprenticeship initiative is expected to play a key role in strengthening technical and vocational skills development while reducing unemployment among young people across the country.
He added that the program targets persons aged 15 to 40 years, including those who did not benefit from the Free Senior High School policy.
The MCE urged beneficiary apprentices and master craft persons to make prudent use of the start-up tools to ensure value for money and improve their livelihoods.
The MCE urged beneficiary apprentices and master craft persons to make prudent use of the start-up tools to ensure value for money and improve their livelihoods.
He further advised apprentices to strictly adhere to the rules and regulations of the program and to remain humble and committed to their trainers to fully benefit from the initiative.
Mr. Opoku also disclosed that the Tano North Municipal Assembly has put in place effective monitoring and maintenance mechanisms to regularly supervise apprentices and master craft persons, ensure proper use of the tools, and guarantee the sustainability of the National Apprenticeship Program in the municipality.
Mr. Opoku also disclosed that the Tano North Municipal Assembly has put in place effective monitoring and maintenance mechanisms to regularly supervise apprentices and master craft persons, ensure proper use of the tools, and guarantee the sustainability of the National Apprenticeship Program in the municipality.
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