Forty-three young people from the operational areas of Gold Fields Ghana Limited (Tarkwa) and Abosso Goldfields Limited (Damang Mine) have graduated after a successful completion of skills training programme.
The 43, made up of 26 females and 17 males, comprises six welders, four auto electricians, seven auto mechanics, three sprayers, hairdressers as well as 20 dressmakers.
They were supported through the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation under the Apprenticeship Training Programme and were given start-up kits to start their various vocations.
Also, 30 youth from both Tarkwa and Damang host communities have been selected for a two-year Mine Apprenticeship Training in Welding and Fabrication.
Speaking at the ceremony at Tarkwa Municipality in the Western Region, Mrs. Florence Ansere-Bioh, Community Affairs and Public Relations Manager at Gold Fields, Tarkwa Mines, explained that the Apprenticeship Programme was instituted in 2011 to give opportunity to the youth in the mining areas to learn some skills so they can be self-employed.
According to her, the beneficiaries are the third batch of the Apprenticeship Training Programme and were taken through business and entrepreneurial skills courses.
She pointed out that the Mine, cannot absorb all the youth in the communities to work there. “Acquiring this skill, makes you an employer and will go a long way to support you even when the mine is over”.
Dr. Celestina Allotey, Vice President and Head of Sustainability Development, Gold Fields West Africa added that technical and vocational training, contributes to achieving SDG goals and promotes socio-economic development.
“The apprentices were visited at their various work places to supervise their activities and assess their performance. We expect you to be professional and live up to the standards of the profession you are in,” she said.
Dr. Celestina Elizabeth Swaniker, CEO, Design and Technology Institute noted that skills acquisition is important to the development of the country.
She encouraged the graduates to live up to the standard of the profession they have selected.
“Competence is the key, nobody is interested in the paper qualification in this field or work, we expect you to reach international standards,” he said.
She advised them to make the best out of the opportunity and let good attitude, integrity and discipline mindset be their hallmark.
Benjamin Kesse, Municipal Chief Executive of Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality, commended Gold Fields Ghana for their continuous support over the years.
