Some of the graduate trainees
The Tarkwa Mine of Gold Fields Ghana has welcomed 105 graduates into its 2026/2028 Graduate Training Programme, which is designed to build technical and professional skills as well as provide relevant work experience to enhance employability.
The programme is an initiative of Gold Fields Ghana Foundation. It reaffirms the Foundation’s commitment to youth development.
It is aimed at equipping young graduates from the company’s host communities with practical skills and industry experience.
The trainees will for the next 24 months undergo comprehensive training led by experienced professionals, with a strong focus on technical competence, safety and professional growth.
The programme also integrates career development initiatives and supports trainees to obtain Minerals Commission’s competency certification and the ‘Lean Six Sigma White Belt’ qualification.
In addition, the trainees will undertake projects to identify and implement improvements within operations, fostering innovation and problem-solving skills while contributing to operational efficiency.
Gifty Antwiwaa Gyamfi, the Project Coordinator, noted, “This is the fourth cohort to enrol in the programme, which is tailored specifically for graduates from the host communities of the mining company.”
She revealed that the Foundation has invested approximately $3.1 million in the Graduate Trainee Programme for both Tarkwa and Damang since 2018.
“The investment has supported trainee recruitment, professional development, mentorship, training, allowances and deployment opportunities across various departments,” she disclosed.
According to Ms. Gyamfi, the Graduate trainee programme, since it was launched, has trained 261 graduates, with 66 per cent of them currently employed and 11 per cent pursuing further studies.
She added that the beneficiaries have received training in various departments including Mining, Engineering, Metallurgy, Safety, Finance, Human Resources and Community Affairs.
“Many are now working with reputable organisations across the mining, energy and service sectors,” she stated.
She also mentioned that for the 2026 financial year, the Foundation has allocated a budget of $774,242.86 towards the implementation of the Graduate Trainee Programme for Tarkwa Mine.
“In addition, a forecasted amount of $786,000.00 has been projected for 2027 to support the continued training, professional development, mentorship, allowances, and deployment of trainees prior to graduation,” she stressed.
She added that the programme offers a structured, direct training across key operational areas in mining and mining support services.
Veronica Fynn, a past graduate trainee and a metallurgist, said, “The training threw more light on my personal career growth and industrial readiness.”
From Emmanuel Opoku, Takoradi