The Tano South Municipal Assembly, in partnership with KEDA Ghana Ceramics Company Ltd, has embarked on a transformative initiative known as the Workplace Experience Learning (WEL) and Job Placement program. This program aims to bridge the gap between theoretical classroom instruction and the practical demands of the industrial sector, specifically targeting Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students within the municipality. The program will provide invaluable hands-on training, real-time feedback from industry professionals, and crucial professional orientation, equipping over 1,083 final-year students with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the competitive job market. This collaboration signifies a significant investment in the future of the municipality’s youth and is expected to contribute significantly to the region’s economic development.
The launch of the WEL initiative was a well-attended event, drawing prominent figures such as the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Emmanuel Kwame Frimpong, the Human Resource Manager of KEDA Ghana Ceramics Company Ltd, Mr. Emmanuel Asibey, the Regional Director for TVET, alongside teachers and students from various technical institutions including Bechem Business College, Bechem School for the Deaf, Bechem Technical Institute, and TSC Technical Institute. The presence of these key stakeholders underscores the collaborative nature of the initiative and the collective commitment to enhancing the quality of TVET education and fostering youth employment within the municipality. This collective effort aims to create a robust link between educational institutions and the industrial sector, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of the modern workplace.
Hon. Emmanuel Kwame Frimpong, the MCE, delivered a compelling keynote address acknowledging the visionary leadership of President John Dramani Mahama in championing innovative educational reforms and initiatives. He also commended the pivotal role played by the Ahafo Regional Minister, Hon. Mrs. Charity Gardiner, in securing this impactful partnership with KEDA, a company recognized for its dedication to youth empowerment. Highlighting the importance of the WEL initiative in the current skill-driven economy, Hon. Frimpong stressed the need to leverage the potential of the municipality’s skilled yet underutilized youth, advocating for increased support from industry players, local businesses, and community organizations. His address emphasized the transformative potential of the program and its alignment with national development goals.
Furthermore, the MCE emphasized the need for a paradigm shift in societal perceptions towards TVET education, urging the community to recognize TVET students as essential contributors to nation-building. He called for greater inclusivity, ensuring that the program’s benefits reach all eligible students, including young women, persons with disabilities, and marginalized groups. Pledging the Assembly’s full support to the initiative, the MCE urged students to approach the opportunity with dedication and a strong desire to learn, expressing confidence in the program’s potential to serve as a model for youth empowerment across Ghana. This call to action highlighted the importance of community buy-in and the potential for the program to drive positive societal change.
Mr. Emmanuel Asibey, the Human Resource Manager of KEDA Ghana Ceramics Company Ltd, echoed the sentiments of the MCE, praising the Regional Minister’s commitment to advancing youth employment. He provided an overview of KEDA’s operations, showcasing the company’s innovative ceramic production processes and the opportunities available for student trainees to acquire valuable skills and advance their careers within the company. A visual presentation further illustrated the company’s modern facilities and activities, providing students with a glimpse into the dynamic world of ceramic manufacturing. This presentation served to connect classroom learning to real-world industrial applications, increasing student engagement and motivation.
The launch event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks from Mrs. Linda Acheampong, a teacher at Bechem Business School, who commended the efforts of both the Regional Minister and the MCE in ensuring that students with disabilities were included in this transformative initiative. Encouraging students to seize the opportunity provided by the WEL program, she emphasized the importance of hard work, dedication, and a positive attitude in building a successful future. Mrs. Acheampong’s words served as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of education and the importance of inclusivity in empowering all members of the community. The WEL and Job Placement Initiative is poised to make a significant impact on the lives of the participating students, contributing to their personal and professional development and ultimately enriching the future of the Tano South Municipality.
