Apprenticeship programme to create direct routes into decent work – Dr. Apaak

The National Apprenticeship Programme is designed to create direct pathways into decent work and self-employment for young Ghanaians, Deputy Education Minister Dr Clement Abas Apaak has said.

Dr Apaak made the statement during his address at the Canada–Ghana Workforce Development and Skills Forum held at The Palms by Eagles, Airport City in Accra, where he outlined the government’s strategy for tackling youth unemployment through skills-based education.

He noted that hundreds of thousands of young people enter Ghana’s labour market each year, but many remain unemployed or underemployed because their training is not matched to opportunity.

“Too many remain unemployed or underemployed not because they lack potential, but because opportunity has not met preparation,” he said.

Dr Apaak explained that the apprenticeship initiative, implemented with the National Youth Authority, the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training, and the Ghana TVET Service, is structured to bridge that gap.

According to him, the programme combines practical skills training with industry exposure and post-training support.

“The programme provides practical training, industry exposure, tools and start-up support—creating direct pathways into decent work and self-employment,” he stated.

He stressed that the apprenticeship scheme is part of a broader shift to place Technical and Vocational Education and Training at the centre of Ghana’s economic strategy, linking education directly to jobs, productivity, and income generation.

“Training must lead to productivity. Certification must lead to employability. And education must lead to income,” Dr Apaak said, underscoring the outcomes the programme is expected to deliver.

The Deputy Minister added that the government is also strengthening career guidance systems across the country to help young people make informed choices about skills training and employment pathways.

In addition, access to start-up kits and tailored financing is being expanded to support graduates who choose entrepreneurship.

Dr Apaak said changing perceptions around TVET remains critical to the success of the apprenticeship programme, noting that skills training must be seen as a respected and aspirational pathway.

“TVET must not be seen as a last resort. It must be recognised as a respected, aspirational and globally competitive pathway,” he said.

He further called for stronger international partnerships, particularly with Canada, to support apprenticeship delivery, instructor training, and workplace-based learning, stating that “Ghana cannot and does not seek to do this alone.”

According to him, sustained collaboration will be essential to scaling programmes that prepare young people not just for today’s jobs, but for the future of work.

Canada backs action-driven workforce partnerships with Ghana

On her part, the Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana, Ms Myriam Montrat, pledged support for bold, action-driven workforce partnerships with Ghana as both countries look to deepen collaboration in skills development.

She made the commitment in her welcome remarks at the Canada–Ghana Workforce Development and Skills Forum held at The Palms by Eagles, Airport City in Accra.

She said the forum was not meant to dwell on past achievements but to focus squarely on future action.

“Today is not just about celebrating what has been done. It is about imagining and building what comes next,” Ms Montrat stated.

According to her, the gathering was deliberately designed as a platform for practical outcomes rather than broad declarations.

“This forum today is a platform for action,” she said, noting that participants were expected to engage meaningfully around clearly defined areas of cooperation.