The Government’s National Apprenticeship Programme (NAP) has officially taken off in the Ahafo Ano South West District of the Ashanti Region, marking a significant step toward empowering the youth with vocational skills and practical training.
The initiative, which is currently in its pilot phase, will support 30 apprentices who will undergo hands-on training under the guidance of six government-sponsored master craftspersons. The programme forms part of the government’s broader efforts to strengthen technical and vocational education while addressing youth unemployment.
During the distribution of equipment to the master craftspersons, all registered beneficiaries were presented with tools and equipment relevant to their respective trades to support their training and help them develop practical skills.
Addressing the beneficiaries, the District Chief Executive for Ahafo Ano South West, Hon Abubakar Sedik encouraged them to take full advantage of the opportunity offered by the government under the National Apprenticeship Programme. He urged them to remain disciplined, committed, and focused throughout the training period so they could acquire the necessary skills to become selemphasisedin the future.
Hon. Abubakar Sedik emphasised that learning a trade is a powerful way for young people to secure sustainable livelihoods and contribute to the development of their communities. He therefore advised the beneficiaries to respect their trainers, work hard, and remain determined to excel in their chosen fields.
He further noted that the training programme will be closely monitored and supervised to ensure that both trainers and apprentices are on track.
The Ashanti Regional Coordinator of the National Apprenticeship Programme (NAP), Patrick Opoku Fofie, urged the beneficiaries to remain committed and dedicated to the opportunity given to them. He encouraged them to put in their best efforts throughout the training period, stressing that mastering a trade requires discipline, patience, and a strong willingness to learn.
He further advised the beneficiaries to take the program seriously by paying attention to their trainers, practising regularly, and developing the right skills that would make them self-reliant in the future. According to him, the apprenticeship program is a valuable opportunity that can help young people secure sustainable livelihoods if they fully commit themselves to learning the trade well.
He disclosed that the beneficiaries will receive a monthly stipend, whereas the master craftspersons will receive GHC3,000 for each beneficiary.
Some of the beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the government and the District Chief Executive for the opportunity, pledging to remain dedicated and make the most of the training programme so they can also train others.
Story by:
Emmanuel Smart Amo
(The Punch Reporter)
