GNPC Foundation Supports 315 Artisans

The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) Foundation has provided support for 315 artisans to sit for the National Vocational Training Institute (NVTI) proficiency examinations where successful candidates would be provided with start-up tools to begin their career.

The examinations took place at different NVTI designated centres at Oforikrom ,  Bantama and Suame where the beneficiary artisans had their competences tested in various vocational skills which include cookery, bakery, dressmaking, tailoring, make-up artistry and interior designing and decoration.

Others were also examined under the Technical module which included plumbing, carpentry, auto mechanics, general electrical, tiling and aluminum fabrication.

The initiative forms part of the 2023 edition of the GNPC Foundation’s livelihood empowering program dubbed, ‘The Skilled Artisans Project’ (SAP)

In an interview with the media at the Old Oforikrom Municipality, Head of Media at the GNPC Foundation Lawyer Moses Antwi Benefo, stated that SAP aims at training and equipping young artisans across the country, with vocational skills and tools needed to improve their livelihoods and economic well-being.

The SAP, he explained would also ensure that artisans meet the standardisation requirements and qualification for their respective skills areas, and increase their suitability for job placements as well as requisite know-how to start enterprises on their own.

Mr. Benefo disclosed that a total of 2,135 artisans would be trained in 12 regions across the country including Volta, Oti, Savannah, Western, Bono, Ahafo among others.

He added that the GNPC Foundation is not only committed in skills training but also providing scholarships for tertiary education and investing in vital infrastructure.

“At GNPC Foundation, we give scholarships to some Ghanaian students to study in the tertiary institutions and we do infrastructure projects like classroom blocks. These are all targeting the formal sector but when it comes to the informal sector, we target the youth so that they can be equipped with what they can do to earn a living,” he added.

He noted that the selection process of the beneficiaries were transparent.  “We liaise with NVTI and we have our partners, Aseda Foundation. When we come to your location, we open it up for those who are interested to show up and then we go through the various activities to select those who will meet our criteria,” he stressed.

He also admonished beneficiaries to use their start-up tools profitably and not sell them.

A beneficiary, Jessica Boakye, thanked GNPC Foundation for their support and was hopeful that she would pass the exams to enable her received the start-up tools to begin her entrepreneurial journey.

Source:dailyguidenetwork.com