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The first batch of 29 certified welders and fabricators have graduated after successfully completing the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation’s two-year Mine Apprenticeship Programme. A graduation ceremony was held to mark this significant milestone.
Comprising 15 females and 14 males, the apprentices from the host communities were trained at the Gold Fields Training School at the Tarkwa Mine. The training focused on both theory and hands-on experience, ensuring the apprentices gained the required competency to meet industry standards. They also received training in safety and first aid.
After passing various modules and external examinations, they were issued certificates of competency from the Minerals Commission and the Southern Africa Institute of Welders. In addition, the apprentices personally funded a third certification in advanced welding and fabrication from the Takoradi Technical Institute.
"Through these training programmes, the Foundation is demonstrating its unwavering commitment to youth empowerment, livelihood creation and technical education,” said Sampson Arthur, Operations Manager of Damang Mine, who was speaking on behalf of Elliot Twum, Senior Vice President and Managing Director.
"This will ensure that the next generation is not only job ready but also equipped to create their own opportunities,” he added.
Kansco Engineering, one of Tarkwa mine’s business partners, has employed 24 of the apprentices.
Initiated in 2022, the Mine Apprenticeship Programme is designed to equip trainees with technical and entrepreneurial skills in welding and fabrication, a skillset that is critically needed in the mining and construction sectors.
