Dr. Fred Kyei Asamoah, former Director-General of the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), has renewed calls for stronger government-industry collaboration. This partnership aims to improve employment opportunities for graduates from technical and vocational institutions. He emphasized that current practices risk wasting up to two years of young people's productive lives.
Dr. Asamoah, also a member of Parliament's Education Committee and the MP for Offinso North, stated this on Friday, June 26. He highlighted the urgent need to ensure TVET students gain skills directly applicable to jobs. Effective skills development requires direct private sector involvement in training. This involvement would create clearer pathways to employment for graduates.
This call aligns with Ghana's broader economic challenge of youth unemployment. Official data often shows high rates of graduates struggling to find work. The government's goal of industrialization relies on a skilled workforce. Stronger TVET and industry links are crucial for achieving this. Previous initiatives, like a dual training system, aimed to bridge this gap.
Dr. Asamoah specifically mentioned earlier efforts to introduce a dual training system. This system would combine classroom learning with practical industry experience. Students would spend a few days each week gaining hands-on skills in workplaces. He noted the unclear status of this initiative. He called for its revival and proper implementation to benefit students and industries.
The government alone cannot generate enough jobs for the growing number of graduates entering the labour market. The private sector must be the primary engine of job creation. The government's role is to create an enabling business environment. This environment encourages businesses to grow and employ more people.
Dr. Asamoah criticized the widespread expectation that the state should absorb most graduates. He described such expectations as unrealistic. Ghana's economic conditions and limited public sector vacancies make this impossible. Many Ghanaians abroad find work in the private sector, not government. This trend reflects the natural structure of global labour markets.
Ghana's increasing number of tertiary graduates cannot all find jobs in the public sector. Private sector-led job creation is essential to address unemployment. Deliberate policies are needed to strengthen collaboration between industry and training institutions. These policies will ensure TVET graduates acquire relevant skills. They will also help graduates smoothly transition into the world of work.
Robust industry partnerships can shape TVET curricula to meet current market demands. This direct input ensures that training aligns with business needs. It also facilitates internships and apprenticeships. These experiences provide critical real-world exposure for students. Such reforms are vital for Ghana's long-term economic growth and stability.