Agona Swedru: Dr Richard Arthur, Director of Richnation Engineering Limited, has emphasized the pivotal role of Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) in national development, urging the youth to capitalize on TVET to gain employable skills. Speaking at the graduation ceremony of Niroy Flairs Creative Institute in the Central Region, where 120 students graduated after six to 12 months of study, Dr Arthur highlighted TVET as a critical driver of the country’s Industrial Revolution, essential for reducing unemployment and poverty.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr Arthur, serving as the guest speaker, underscored the acquisition of technical and vocational skills as the key to reducing dependence on government jobs. He stressed the importance for young people, particularly women, to engage in TVET, which also offers opportunities to learn information and communication technology, thereby maintaining competitiveness in their careers. Dr Arthur referenced the economic successes of Japan, Germany, th
e United Kingdom, and Singapore, attributing their robustness to technology and skill development. He called for significant government investment in TVET to propel socio-economic progress.
Mrs Dorinda Yankson, CEO of Niroy Flairs Creative Institute, echoed Dr Arthur’s sentiments, appealing to the government, NGOs, corporate entities, and financial institutions to support the institute in training more youth to secure self-employment. She criticized the youth for complaining about job shortages when TVET provides a pathway to skill acquisition. ‘We are formalizing the informal sector to aid the numerous unemployed youth in acquiring skills that will enable a meaningful life,’ she stated.
Mrs Yankson encouraged MPs and influential figures to sponsor underprivileged students in acquiring TVET skills. She noted that TVET programs are not only for school leavers but also offer additional skills to university students and professionals like teachers and bankers, allowing them to generate supplementary income. “O
ur institution aims to be a leading catalyst for socio-economic transformation in Africa,” she added.
Graduates expressed their satisfaction with the training received. Ms Gloria Afari, one of the graduates, noted that beyond skill acquisition, they were taught entrepreneurship, including how to start businesses with minimal capital and utilize the internet for branding and sales. The ceremony featured an exhibition and fashion show, allowing parents to appreciate the graduates’ skills and creativity.
