Vivo Energy Ghana PLC (VEGH), the exclusive distributor and marketer of Shell-branded fuels and lubricants in Ghana, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at its Head Office with the Applied Technology Institute (ATI) to collaborate on a technical apprenticeship initiative under its Mechanic Advocacy Programme aimed at developing the next generation of certified automotive professionals.
The partnership seeks to equip young mechanics within the informal sector with industry-relevant technical expertise through a structured apprenticeship framework that combines classroom instruction with practical, hands-on training.
The initiative is designed to enhance employability, promote professionalism, and foster a strong culture of safety and technical excellence within the automotive industry.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr Christian Li, Managing Director of Vivo Energy Ghana, expressed appreciation to ATI for aligning with Vivo Energy Ghana’s commitment to empowering young professionals through skills development.
“I would like to sincerely thank the Applied Technology Institute for partnering with us in our shared vision to develop the next generation of skilled professionals,” he stated.
He emphasised the importance of technical competence and safety consciousness in the rapidly evolving automotive and lubricants industry.
“The automotive and lubricants industry continues to evolve rapidly, creating a growing demand for highly skilled professionals equipped with strong technical capabilities and a firm commitment to safety,” he added.
Representing ATI, Ing. Emmanuel Kotey Ashie, Principal of the Applied Technology Institute, spoke on the importance of the collaboration and its shared commitment to bridging the gap between academic learning and industry practice.
“Through this collaboration, our students and employees will benefit from practical training, industrial exposure, innovation, and skills development aligned with current industry demands. We believe this partnership will strengthen the connection between academic learning and the professional world,” he said.
Also addressing participants at the signing ceremony, Kerim Kermen, Vice President, Central Lubricants and Commercial, Vivo Energy Group, noted that the partnership aligns with both national development priorities and the broader strategic direction of the lubricants business.
Former ATI students who are now working at various Vivo Energy Ghana retail outlets and lube bays shared their experiences and testimonies during the ceremony stating how the initiative equipped them with practical skills, industry and professional exposure that have contributed to their career development.
Beyond employment opportunities, the programme is also designed to promote entrepreneurship, economic empowerment, job creation, and community development.
Graduates will acquire the technical and business skills needed to establish their own automotive workshops, operate lubricant service centres, or serve as distributors and retailers of Shell lubricants.
The partnership reflects Vivo Energy Ghana’s vision to be Africa’s leading and most respected energy business by investing in youth empowerment, creating opportunities, transforming lives, and supporting sustainable national development.
About Vivo Energy
With a vision to be Africa’s leading and most respected energy business Vivo Energy Ghana, the company that distributes and markets Shell-branded fuels and lubricants was established in 2013. The Shell brand has been in Ghana since1928.
Vivo Energy Ghana has a fuels storage capacity of 11,000m³ and 250 service stations, with many offering Shell Cards and convenience retail stores.
The Vivo Energy Group operates and markets its products in countries across North, West, East, Southern Africa and in the Indian Ocean Islands.
The extended Group has a network of over 4,000 service stations in 28 markets operating under the Engen and Shell brands and exports lubricants to a number of other African countries.
Its retail offering includes fuels, lubricants, card services, convenience stores, restaurants, and other non-fuel services.
It provides fuels, lubricants, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and chemicals to business customers across a range of sectors including marine, aviation, mining, construction, power, transport, agriculture and manufacturing. It is continuing to develop innovative energy solutions to enhance sustainability.
The Company employs over 6,000 people and has access to over two billion litres of fuel storage capacity.