African Centre for Technical Training (ACTT), a technical and vocational skills training and development institute in Ghana, marked another milestone on June 20, 2024 at the first graduation ceremony which coincided with the launch of its contemporary Woodwork & Joinery programme.
This occasion saw the convergence of key stakeholders from industry and development organisations, including renowned entities such as the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Ghana (AHK Ghana), Ghana Real Estate Developers Association (GREDA), Geberit Global, Institution of Engineering and Technology Ghana (IET-Ghana), GIZ, University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) and Furnart Ghana.
Under the theme ‘Empowering Future Craftsmen, Celebrating Achievement and Innovation in Woodwork’, ACTT graduated 16 professional plumbers who did not only receive hands-on technical skills, but also prioritised soft skills and industry apprenticeships as part of the Plumbing Systems Design programme.
They each received a Certificate of Competence from ACTT and C-Certificate (Local Dual Training with Elements from the German System) from AHK Ghana.
Two trainees exhibited their project on Aggregate-Based Water Filtration System for Oil and Debris Removal which highlighted water conservation, reuse and sustainability.
Awards were presented to three trainees for their exemplary leadership; Most Disciplined to Emmanuel Edem King-Gator; Most Innovative and Entrepreneurial to Ishmeal Lamptey; and finally the Overall Best Trainee Award to Isaac Frimpong Gyamfi – sponsored by Bosch Ghana.
Addressing the gathering, the keynote speaker, Samuel D. Amegayibor, Executive Director, GREDA and Sector Skills Body Chairperson for Construction, remarked: “I can say on authority that our industries are suffering from inadequate skilled personnel, and sometimes have to rely on labour importation from other countries, especially our neighbours.” He advised the graduates to master their competencies and take advantage of access to information technology for continuous professional development.
Penelope Brooke Thompson, Founder & President of ACTT, officially introduced the guests to the new Woodwork & Joinery programme, funded by Unorthodox Philanthropy, highlighting the scale of impact relating to import reduction, employment opportunities and poverty alleviation for marginalised groups.
ACTT’s primary mission is to address the critical technical skills gap within various industries. This is achieved through the provision of an extensive range of high-quality technical and vocational training programmes, artisan certification, mentorship initiatives and access to invaluable job placement opportunities. Training starts in July, October, January and April every year, with flexible options for weekday or weekend sessions.
