Some of the beneficiaries
The Vice Chancellor of Takoradi Technical University (TTU), Rev. Prof. John Eshun, has encouraged graduates of various apprenticeship programmes to try and create employment for themselves.
He said the youth who are fortunate to be equipped with employable skills should use them not just to seek jobs, but to build opportunities for themselves and for others.
The Vice Chancellor made these remarks in an address read for him at the graduation ceremony of 29 youth who went through a two- year apprenticeship programme in welding and fabrication under the Mine Apprenticeship Training programme of Gold Fields Ghana Foundation.
The 29 young individuals were selected within the host communities of Gold Fields Ghana Limited in Tarkwa and Damang.
The beneficiaries were made up of 15 females and 14 males. They were provided with technical and entrepreneurial training needed in mining and construction entities.
The training focused on both theoretical knowledge and practical hands-on experience, ensuring participants gained the required competence to meet industry standards.
They received certificates from the Minerals Commission and the Southern Africa Institute of Welders to serve as a testament to their hard work and dedication.
Meanwhile, 24 out of the 29 young individuals have obtained jobs at Kansco Engineering, a contractor currently working at the company’s mine.
Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Gold Fields, Elliot Twum in an address read on his behalf noted that the company has invested more than $4 million in skills training.
He said, “Since 2018, the programme has benefited 172 graduates, with 90 trainees currently at the Tarkwa and Damang mines of Gold Fields,” he said.
Mr. Twum said through the training programmes, the company is ensuring that the next generation is not only job ready but also equipped to create their own opportunities.
Executive Secretary of Gold Fields Ghana Foundation, Abdel Razak Yakubu, added that the training, reduces unemployment, and drive local economic growth.
“You are now professional welders and fabricators. Go and shine and be ambassadors of Gold Fields and your communities,” he told the beneficiaries.
Member of Parliament for Tarkwa-Nsuaem, Issah Salifu Taylor, also urged the beneficiaries saying, “The knowledge you have acquired is a powerful tool that will help improve your living standards and improve the local economy.”
From Emmanuel Opoku, Takoradi