KsTU to train 3,000 artisans in garment making

The Kumasi Technical University (KsTU) will, in the next three years, train 3,000 artisans in garment making, automotive engineering, consumer electronics, welding and fabrication.

The artisans, who will undergo six-month training, will be issued with either Proficiency I or II certificates that will enable them to further their education to any level.

The programme, sponsored by the government of Ghana, in partnership with the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the KfW Development Bank of Germany, is being implemented by the Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (COTVET) under the Ghana TVET Voucher Project (GTVP).

Press conference

At a press conference to launch the programme, the Vice-Chancellor of the KsTU, Nana Prof. Osei-Wusu Achaw, said the project, which is being financed at a cost of 10 million Euros, was intended to build the capacity of the artisans and train them to acquire some certification to indicate their level of knowledge in the subject matter.

He said although most artisans were very competent in their areas of specialisation, they lacked the certificates to show their level of knowledge and that, according to him, had robbed them of better opportunities.

According to him, the objective of the programme was to provide special hands-on training for the artisans.

The programme has kick-started with 60 master craft persons in garment.

Eligibility

Explaining the modalities for selection to join the training, the vice-chancellor said one only needed to join an association of one’s trade and apply through the association.

He said the association would forward the names to the university for selection, saying the training was free for the artisans and would run for three years.

According to him, the courses were taught in the local language, “but one would need some basic understanding of the English Language and should be able to read and write”.

Prospects

Prof. Achaw explained that with that training, the artisans would be in positions to take up jobs in the formal sector and be able to further their education using their certificates.

Aside from upgrading their knowledge in their fields of study, he said, the artisans would also be taught basic bookkeeping practices to enable them to keep track of the work.

He advised the participants to avail themselves of the opportunity and be regular to school to learn more about their work.