Dr. Fred Kyei Asamoah, Director General of the Commission for TVET (CTVET), recently completed an in-depth field evaluation of 43 institutions across Ghana participating in the Ghana Jobs and Skills Apprenticeship Programme.
His observations reflect a promising yet challenging vocational training landscape as the program seeks to address youth unemployment through practical skills development.
During his visits, Dr. Asamoah praised institutions like Sunyani Technical University and Cape Coast Technical University for their commitment to the apprenticeship program, noting their high standards and well-developed facilities.
“The dedication and progress shown by these institutions are commendable,” he stated. “Their modern facilities and robust apprenticeship systems serve as a model for others, showcasing the potential of the Ghana Jobs and Skills Apprenticeship Programme to transform vocational training.”
However, Dr. Asamoah highlighted pressing challenges that hinder the success of many other institutions. Outdated equipment and limited industry partnerships emerged as significant barriers affecting apprenticeship programs and workplace experience learning (WEL) initiatives.
“We observed that many institutions are struggling with these issues that impact the effectiveness and sustainability of their training programs,” Dr. Asamoah noted. “Addressing these gaps is critical to maximising the apprenticeship program’s impact.”
To resolve these issues, Dr. Asamoah emphasised the government’s commitment to improving training resources and bolstering collaboration with local businesses.
“Our plan includes substantial investments to modernise facilities and strengthen industry ties,” he explained. “These upgrades will create more structured apprenticeship opportunities, elevate competency-based training (CBT), and improve recognition of prior learning (RPL) practices, all of which are vital to producing well-prepared graduates.”
Additionally, Dr. Asamoah advocated for knowledge-sharing among institutions. “Encouraging successful institutions to share their methodologies will help standardise high-quality training across the board,” he said. “This collaborative approach is essential for scaling up the program’s success and ensuring that all institutions benefit from proven strategies.”
In his closing remarks, Dr. Asamoah reiterated the government’s dedication to equipping young Ghanaians with employable skills. “The Ghana Jobs and Skills Apprenticeship Programme is a cornerstone of our strategy to enhance vocational training and tackle youth unemployment,” he concluded. “With ongoing support and strategic improvements, this program has the potential to significantly impact economic development and the future of Ghana’s young workforce.”