A total of 315 artisans in the Ashanti Region are participating in a National Vocational Training Institute (NVTI) standard examination.
Successful artisans who are undertaking the examination being sponsored by the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation Foundation (GNPCF) under its Skilled Artisans Project, would be provided with start-up tools to begin their entrepreneurial journey.
It forms part of the phase two of the project which is targeting 2,135 artisans in 22 disciplines across 12 regions in the country.
Officials of NVTI assess the work of the artisans in the various disciplines and award them marks as part of the processes to certify them as qualified professionals.
Artisans who registered for the second phase are currently being assessed under the supervision of the NVTI at various centres within the Kumasi Metropolis designated for the exercise.
Mr. Moses Antwi Benefo, Head of Media, GNPCF, told the media at the Oforikrom Centre, where 56 artisans undertook their examination, that the GNPC Foundation was committed to building the entrepreneurial skills of the Ghanaian youth.
He said 389 artisans in the region were provided start-up tools last year during their graduation and the expectation was that successful artisans would also receive same support this year.
“We are doing this exercise in 12 regions of Ghana and as I speak there are other teams in other regions for the exercise,” he revealed.
He said the GNPC Foundation apart from giving scholarships and investing in classroom infrastructure in the formal sector, also empower the youth in the informal sector economically.
An impact assessment conducted for phase one of the project reveals that beneficiaries are also training others in their various fields, according to Mr. Benefo.
“It will interest you to know that the people that we empowered by giving them tools are also multiplying in folds so what we are giving them is not in vain,” he noted.
He said the processes for selecting beneficiaries were transparent, adding that, they liaised with their partners including the NVTI and Aseda Foundation for the registration devoid of bias and favouritism.
He advised beneficiaries to use the tools to build sustainable businesses to improve their livelihoods and that of their dependents.
