The Bolgatanga Technical University (BTU) in the Upper East Region has ushered about 137 female graduates into the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) job market.
The graduates, during a seven week course, were trained on TVET to equip themselves with the technical and professional skills needed for self employment as well as socioeconomic and industrial development of the country.
Out of the 137 women, 24 were trained in Bricklaying and Tiling, 53 in Computer graphics and Photography, 7 in Electricals, 21 in Hardware and Networking, 20 in Web Development and 12 in Automotive Engineering.
The sponsored program was part of CAMFED’s efforts to help MasterCard Foundation to implement its 10 year strategy under the program “Young Africa Works” that aims at creating jobs for the youth in Africa.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony, the Pro Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Peter Osei Boamah noted that, graduates from tertiary institutions in Ghana struggle to find jobs after national service and this situation keeps worsening year after year.
He said, “Vocational and Technical Education in no doubt is the best approach to deal with the graduate unemployment or unemployment phenomenon in this country as TVET produces graduates with the necessary knowledge, skills, attitude and expertise for industries to expand the economy, create jobs and also unlock the numerous resources that exist in the country.”
Mr. Boamah therefore called for a comprehensive policy on science, Technical and Vocational Education as well as well-trained human capital in Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) service in education.
The Programs Manager of CAMFED, Christian Zico in his address said “We are proud of you gallant and self- motivated young women for your demonstration of incredible levels of commitment and resilience throughout this 7 weeks of intense training.”
He added, “Amidst the hurdles and challenges, you [graduates) have remained focus and kept your heads above the waters to break barriers and rewrite the narrative around TVET by venturing into male dominated areas.”
Mr. Zico urged the graduates to ustilise their skills and expertise by launching businesses and running them in a manner that will increase income earning opportunities for other young people in their respective communities.
