Building contractors support apprenticeship programme

The Association of Building and Civil Engineering Contractors of Ghana (ABCECG) has pledged its full support for the National Apprenticeship Programme (NAP), describing it as a transformative initiative that holds great promise for job creation, skills development and sustainable growth within Ghana’s construction and built environment sectors.

Speaking ahead of the association’s upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Accra, the ABCECG President, Anthony Klutse, emphasised the importance of the programme, stating that it could significantly reduce the industry’s reliance on foreign artisans by equipping young Ghanaians with industry-relevant skills.

“If the programme is implemented effectively, it can reverse the unfortunate trend where Ghanaian contractors overlook local youth in favour of artisans from other countries,” Mr Klutse noted in an interview. “We have many unemployed young people in this country. With proper training, they can become the backbone of our workforce.”

The National Apprenticeship Programme, launched by President John Dramani Mahama, aims to provide thousands of young Ghanaians annually with hands-on, employable skills across a wide range of trades.

The initiative was officially unveiled at the University for Development Studies (UDS) auditorium in Tamale, marking the beginning of what many see as a national skills revolution.

Backed by a GH¢300 million budgetary allocation in the 2025 national budget, the programme will cover full training costs and provide monthly stipends to participants in all 261 districts across the country.

The training modules will vary in duration, from short-term courses (2 to 4 months) to longer apprenticeships (12 to 18 months), depending on the nature of the trade and the trainee’s prior experience.

Mr Klutse called for a more coordinated and inclusive approach to ensure the success of the initiative, stressing the need for close collaboration between government, industry players, and technical training institutions.

“The ABCECG is ready and willing to work with the Ghana Technical and Vocational Education and Training Service (GTVET) to ensure that the training is practical and tailored to industry needs,” he said.

“We don’t want a situation where young people complete their training but remain unemployed because their skills do not align with what the market demands.

Government must engage contractors and professionals to shape the curriculum to meet real-world expectations.”

He further praised the government’s broader efforts to rejuvenate the economy, particularly expressing support for the proposed 24-hour Economy policy.

According to him, the construction industry is well positioned to benefit from a round-the-clock work cycle, provided the necessary infrastructure—such as lighting, security and transportation—is put in place.

Looking ahead to the association’s AGM, Mr Klutse said the gathering would be a platform for members to review progress over the past year and strategise for the future.

He emphasised the association’s commitment to partnering the government in achieving its development goals.

Mr Klutse also underscored the importance of reviving and expanding Ghana’s low-cost housing agenda.

He noted that the apprenticeship programme could serve as a steady pipeline for skilled labour to support the housing sector, and urged the government to roll out low-cost housing projects in all 16 regions, with a medium-to-long-term plan to establish such housing in each district.

In addition, he commended the government’s decision to uncap the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), saying it would unlock much-needed resources to complete several stalled infrastructure projects across the country.

Mr Klutse concluded by reaffirming the association’s confidence in the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, and its commitment to supporting his vision for a reset and revitalised Ghana.