Some of the beneficiaries
The Gold Fields Ghana Foundation has spent approximately $3.6 million on Community Apprenticeship Training Programmes (CATP) in the company’s catchment areas.
The programmes comprise Graduate Training, Host Community Apprenticeship Training, Mine Apprenticeship Training, Heavy-Duty Equipment and Precision Welding Training Programmes.
The initiative is a community-oriented initiative designed to provide skills training and employment opportunities to basic school leavers who are unable to pursue secondary education in the areas where Gold Fields operates.
The CATP introduced in 2011, has benefited the youth in 160 communities equipping them with skills in dressmaking, auto mechanic, auto electrical, car upholstery and welding.
This came to light at a Community Apprenticeship Programme- graduation ceremony during which 33 trainees who had completed their programmes received start-up tools.
The tools included, diagnostic machines, multi meter toolbox, spanner sets, vice clamps, key sets and welding machine cables.
The rest were drilling machines, grinding machines, straightening hammer, spraying hose, cutting torches and staple guns among others.
The youth, who went through a two-year rigorous training and practical application, were certified by the National Vocational Training Institute (NVTI).
Executive Secretary, Gold Fields Ghana Foundation, Abdel-Razak Yakubu, encouraged the graduates to approach their career paths with seriousness and make the most out of the opportunities at their disposal.
Western Regional NVTI Coordinator, Ivy Yeboah, highlighted the importance of positivity and inclusivity and encouraged persons with disabilities to participate in the skills training like tailoring, shoemaking, and bead-making.
From Emmanuel Opoku, TakoradiÂ