The meeting brought together various artisans, including mechanics, masons, carpenters, hairdressers, barbers, tailors, and dressmakers to interact directly with officials from the National Youth Authority (NYA), the implementing agency for the Programme.

Dr Rawlings said the National Apprenticeship Programme was a key campaign promise of the NDC during the elections, and the engagement was the first and marked the beginning of a nationwide engagement.

“As part of our flagship Programme as a government, we are rolling out the National Apprenticeship Programme. The essence of today’s meeting is to facilitate a stakeholder engagement with artisans in the constituency for them to hear directly from the CEO, National Youth Authority,” the MP stated.

She emphasized the importance of the Programme as a fulfillment of their campaign promise and encouraged constituents to register.

“Unless you’re part of the database, you can’t avail of the initiative. And so my role as your representative in parliament is to provide you with the necessary information and access to the Programme,” the MP stated.

Dr Rawlings advised them to view the Programme as a nation-building initiative rather than a partisan effort, stressing that it aimed to enhance youth capacity, improve employability, and foster economic independence.

“The money going into this Programme is taxpayers’ money. It is our money. Therefore, we must not see this as a political or partisan Programme, but as a nation-building Programme meant to enhance the capacity of our youth.”

The MP called for accountability and transparency in implementing the Programme and encouraged potential trainees to take the training seriously.

Mr Osman Abdulai Ayaiga, CEO, National Youth Authority, said the programme was designed to address unemployment and underemployment among Ghana’s youthful population.
He highlighted the challenge of underemployment, noting that many employed youth earn wages insufficient to sustain them throughout the month.

The National Apprenticeship Programme, according to Mr. Ayariga, is free and will be implemented through partnerships between the government and the private sector, particularly master craftsmen and women across the country.

Mr. Ayariga said apprentices would receive stipends to cover transportation costs and other expenses during their training period, and there would be insurance packages to protect them in case of accidents or health emergencies during their training.

“We are still considering better insurance packages for apprentices because God forbid, anything can happen. So if something like that happens, in the most unfortunate or unlikely event, we can inform the insurance to still take care of you for some time until you are brought back to health,” he added.

The programme has specific quotas aimed at ensuring inclusivity, with more than 55 percent of slots reserved for female youth and special provisions for persons with disabilities.

Upon completion of the programme, successful apprentices will receive support to establish their own businesses, including basic tools and assistance in setting up shops.

“We will help you build your own shop and startup tools. Because while passing through the Programme, you are qualified to open your own shop,” he assured.

Graduates will also be recommended to the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme for further support.

The National Apprenticeship Programme will be officially launched on April 30, with registration points established at various Assemblies, offices of Members of Parliament, and National Youth Authority offices.