Ghana pushes industry-led TVET reforms to equip youth with job-ready skills – Dr. Apaak

Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, says Ghana is strengthening industry-led Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to equip young people with practical skills that meet industry needs and support employment, entrepreneurship and economic transformation.

He made the remarks at a China–Africa Sub-Forum on School–Enterprise Collaboration at a TVET Conference in Tianjin, China, where he outlined Ghana’s approach to strengthening partnerships between vocational training institutions and the private sector.

Dr. Apaak emphasised the importance of industry participation in developing a skilled and employable workforce, noting that training must equip learners with practical competencies that respond to workplace requirements.

“TVET is critical to youth empowerment, industrial development, job creation and economic transformation,” he stated.
He added that “Training must lead to practical competencies, employment, entrepreneurship and lifelong learning.”

According to Dr. Apaak, Ghana has adopted an industry-led approach to TVET, recognising that employers must play an active role in ensuring that training programmes reflect the needs of the labour market.

“TVET institutions cannot develop industry-relevant skills without active private-sector participation,” he said.

Ghana’s approach includes Competency-Based Training (CBT), Sector Skills Bodies, Workplace Experience Learning, apprenticeships and partnerships with businesses.

Dr. Apaak highlighted the development of 445 Competency-Based Training packages across 89 programmes, supported by 16 Sector Skills Bodies, as part of efforts to align training with industry requirements.

He also pointed to the importance of Workplace Experience Learning, which provides learners with practical exposure through internships, industrial attachments and apprenticeships.

The figures presented in his speaking notes indicate that 81.8 per cent of TVET institutions are able to secure workplace placements for learners, while 73 per cent of learners receive feedback from employers and workplace supervisors during placements.

Ghana is also expanding apprenticeship opportunities, particularly within the informal economy, where master craft persons and enterprises contribute to skills development.

The Ghana TVET Voucher Project has supported more than 37,000 apprentices and informal-sector workers in trades including automotive repair, welding, electrical installation, construction, plumbing, furniture making and hospitality.

Despite the progress, Dr. Apaak identified challenges that require further attention, including limited collaboration between industry and TVET institutions, insufficient incentives for employers to host learners, limited workplace placements and inadequate industry support for training resources.

To address these challenges, Ghana is seeking stronger employer participation in curriculum development, assessment, certification and workforce planning, alongside expanded workplace training opportunities.

The country is also promoting the integration of digital skills, artificial intelligence, green skills, problem-solving and entrepreneurship into vocational training to prepare young people for employment and self-employment.

Dr. Apaak further outlined opportunities for Ghana-China cooperation in curriculum development, trainer and learner exchanges, industrial attachments, technology transfer and the sharing of expertise in competency-based training and quality assurance.

He stressed Ghana’s commitment to ensuring that vocational education produces practical skills and opportunities that contribute to national development.

“Our goal is to move from training for certificates to training for competence, productive employment and enterprise development, empowering Africa’s youth to drive industrialisation and sustainable economic growth,” he stated.