Alan Kyerematen (2nd right) Knauf officials and some of the trainees in a pose after the inauguration
German construction giant, Knauf has opened a training centre at the North Industrial Area in Accra.
The new facility offers up to 800 training positions per year in an area approximately 600 m².
Apart from theoretical training, value is placed on relaying practical knowledge and skills at the Knauf Training Centre as well.
With an investment of €700,000, the center is part of a large-scale joint training by Knauf, DEG and the BMZ in countries such as Nigeria, Tanzania, Egypt, Algeria and Tunisia.
It’s planned that 12,000 people will be qualified within three years under the initiative.
Trainees can learn how different gypsum based building materials are processed.
The training courses are targeted at architects and civil engineers, as well as craftsmen on the building sites.
Trade Minister, Alan Kyeremateng and Germany’s Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Dr. Gerd Müller, joined Isabel Knauf, member of the Knauf Group Management Committee and Christiane Laibach, Chair of the Management Board of DEG – Deutsche Investitions und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH, to open the Knauf Training Centre.
Noting that the centre offers combined training in theory and practice, Isabel Knauf averred that “Africa is a strategic growth region for Knauf in the coming years. The training centres are an integral part of a successful market presence. These lay the foundation for further Knauf investments in local production facilities. Our training courses not only improve the quality of building in Ghana, they also create jobs for Ghanaians. By replacing expensive foreign labour with local craftsmen, modern building methods become more affordable in Ghana.”
The Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Dr. Gerd Müller stated, “The young people in Ghana need training and jobs. This is the only way that they will have any prospects in their home country. This is exactly where our training centre with Knauf comes into play. The top qualified Ghanaian professionals can then help to further build their country and to promote its development.”
In a remark, Mr. Kyerematen disclosed that “the centre goes beyond the two governments. It is important due to the fact that it offers opportunity for people in the construction sector; this certainly ensures skills development. It signifies development in the construction industry, training local artisans and this reduce cost.”
He added that “government will do everything possible to have a Knauf Plant in Ghana.”
A media briefing was held before the inauguration of the centre.
A business desk report