The first batch of trainees from an initiative to equip the youth of host mining communities by the Abosso Goldfields Limited (AGL), through Gold Fields Ghana Foundation in partnership with Engineers and Planners (E&P), have graduated after six months of intensive on-the-job training.
The training programme, which was introduced last year according to AGL, is aimed at improving the skill levels of youths in its host communities. These include the Graduate Training; Heavy-Duty Equipment Training; and Youth Apprenticeship Training programmes.
In line with this, the first 11 beneficiaries were selected and taken through heavy-duty equipment training comprising the operation of dump-trucks, excavators, dozers and drill-rig equipment.
They were trained in operating heavy-duty mining equipment for three months, in addition to another three months of internship opportunities to build on their experience in their respective fields. Having gained six months of experience in operating heavy-duty equipment, they have been certified by the Minerals Commission of Ghana (MINCOM) as equipment operators.
The Community Affairs and Stakeholder Engagement Manager of Goldfields Ghana, Abdel-Razak Yakubu said: “AGL believes that the development of its human capital through this training is key to achieving positive change in its host communities. It is worth noting that three out of the 11 operators have been employed by E&P. We hope that the remaining operators will secure employment in the global mining industry, given the immeasurable skills they have acquired,” he revealed.
Mr. Yakubu disclosed that this year 20 host community youths have also been selected to be trained on similar heavy-duty equipment.
Furthermore, he assured that the Foundation will liaise with the Driver and Vehicle Licencing Authority (DVLA) and secure licences for all the trainees, while allowances will also be paid to all trainees. It is expected that the training will produce fully competent operators within the communities, who can serve as a pool of skilled operators for future vacancies at the mine or with other mines in the sub-region.
