Teach and Train Apprentices Well – NYA CEO Urges Master Craft Persons

The Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Osman Ayariga, Esq., has called on Master Craft Persons under the National Apprenticeship Program to dedicate themselves to properly teaching and training their apprentices, rather than merely using them as laborers. He emphasized that this is essential for helping young people fully develop their skills and talents.

Mr. Ayariga made this statement during the pilot training session for the first batch of Master Craft Persons held at the Accra Metropolitan Assembly.

He noted that the primary objective of the training is to certify Master Craft Persons and promote standardization within the apprenticeship program. He further revealed that the government has fully covered the costs for Master Craft Persons to obtain CTVET certification.

Highlighting the core purpose of the National Apprenticeship Program, Mr. Ayariga stated that it is aimed at curbing unemployment by equipping Ghanaians with practical skills to become self-employed. He added that the program will be closely supervised to ensure that apprentices are properly trained and encouraged Master Craft Persons to report any apprentices who prove difficult or uncooperative.

Additionally, he assured Master Craft Persons that those in need of equipment or support for expansion will be assisted as necessary

Mr. Ayariga concluded by announcing that apprentices will be assigned to certified Master Craft Persons after the training period, and urged all stakeholders to make the program a success for the benefit of the entire country.

Also speaking at the event, the National Coordinator for the National Apprenticeship Program, Mr. Nicodemus Dery, encouraged Master Craft Persons to serve as a unique cohort of ambassadors for transforming the informal sector. He stressed that the success or failure of the program rests largely on their shoulders and urged them to work diligently to ensure its success and make the President proud.

The National Apprenticeship Program is one of the flagship initiatives of the current government, designed to significantly reduce youth unemployment across Ghana.