NAHEOG RMU members and dignitaries in a group photograph
The Regional Maritime University (RMU) has partnered the National Association for Heavy-Duty Equipment Operators Ghana (NAHEOG) to roll out a well-structured training skills development programme for its members.
The 6-8 weeks theory and practical-oriented training and certification programme is for heavy-duty operators in the West and Central Africa Sub-regions.
The programme is benchmarked with international standards such as the International Standards Organization (ISO) to reduce errors in the operations of equipment.
The first batch of students will be trained in January 2023 on the operation of modern crane simulators, forklift operations, advance in professional welding, and benefit from the ultra-modern ECDIS laboratory among others.
Speaking at a media engagement in Accra, National President of NAHEOG, Dominic Kofi Eyiah, indicated that collaboration with RMU will enhance the skills of operators by equipping them with the needed skills and knowledge, thereby making their profession more relevant to society and the job market.
“This collaboration to train heavy duty equipment operators will give them the international statutes to reduce the situation where contracts are awarded to expatriates due to issues of certification. This training will address those issues to bring about development,” he said.
Head of Regulations and Licensing and Chairman for Fleet Engineering Division, Ing. Dr. Divine Okutothe, said RUM’s investment in a simulation facility for the training and its partnership with NAHEOG makes the operating job very attractive and the assurance of safety, efficiency, and productivity in the industry.
“Through this path, trainees will be given the professional competitive advantage in this globalized job marketplace and most especially inclusiveness of local content and capacity building,” he said.
“We hope your partnership will develop, innovative robust training standard qualifications, and initiatives that will ensure highly qualified personnel that would meet the industry “he posited.
Head of Vocational Skills Centre, RMU Francis Kofi Korsah, emphasized the institution’s readiness to train participants to upgrade their status as heavy-duty operators with top-notch programmes.
He further called on other stakeholders to join forces with the University to jointly provide the needed manpower relevant to solve problems in society.
The media engagement was under the theme: “Standardizing Training and Certification of Heavy-Duty Equipment Operators for West and Central Africa Sub-regions”.
By Prince Fiifi Yorke