Forty-three individuals profit from Gold Fields' Apprenticeship Training Plan
Gold Fields Ghana Foundation's Apprenticeship Training Programme is a fantastic social initiative, designed to offer practical skills training in high-demand fields to youth from their host communities. The main focus is on welding and fabrication, with the ultimate goal of securing sustainable employment for them.
This program also fosters community development and employment opportunities in Gold Fields’ host communities, empowering local youth. As part of the training, participants receive guidance on professionalism, time management, public speaking, and report writing.
The program has faced some challenges but has successfully transformed attitudes through intensive counseling and discipline, leading to increased engagement and resilience among participants. A significant number of graduates have secured immediate employment, with 24 out of 29 recent graduates (including 15 women) being employed by Kansco Engineering, a contractor at Gold Fields’ Tarkwa Mine.
Female participation in the program has been strong, and impressive job placements have been seen, reflecting the program's inclusive approach. In the most recent class, 43 graduates, made up of 26 females and 17 males, were comprised of six welders, four auto electricians, seven auto mechanics, three sprayers, hairdressers, and 20 dressmakers.
To support their new vocations, these 43 graduates received start-up kits. Furthermore, 30 youth from Tarkwa and Damang host communities have been selected for a two-year Mine Apprenticeship Training in Welding and Fabrication.
Dr. Celestina Allotey, Vice President and Head of Sustainability Development, Gold Fields West Africa, emphasized the importance of technical and vocational training in achieving SDG goals and promoting socio-economic development. She encouraged the graduates to reach international standards and exemplify good attitude, integrity, and discipline.
Dr. Celestina Elizabeth Swaniker, CEO of Design and Technology Institute, highlighted the significance of skills acquisition for national development. She advised the graduates to make the most of their opportunities and make a positive impact.
Benjamin Kesse, Municipal Chief Executive of Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality, commended Gold Fields Ghana for their continuous support. The 43 graduates of the latest class signify the wide-reaching impact of this remarkable initiative.
- The Apprenticeship Training Programme by Gold Fields Ghana Foundation encourages career development and personal growth for youth in their host communities, offering vocational training in welding and fabrication.
- This program not only focuses on technical skills but also emphasizes soft skills such as professionalism, time management, public speaking, and report writing, with the goal of securing sustainable employment.
- A recent success of this program is the evidenced pursuit of education-and-self-development by its graduates, as 24 out of 29 female and male graduates have been employed by Kansco Engineering.
- The inclusive nature of the program has resulted in strong female participation, with impressive job placements for women in various vocations like welding, auto mechanics, and dressmaking.
- In an effort to extend the impact of this initiative, Gold Fields Ghana is providing skills-training for 30 youth from Tarkwa and Damang host communities via a two-year Mine Apprenticeship Training in Welding and Fabrication.
