Eduwatch calls for legal backing of National Apprenticeship Programme

Africa Education Watch (Eduwatch) has called for legalizing the National Apprenticeship Programme. This move aims to ensure its continuity and prevent future governments from abandoning it. The call was made during a youth forum on May 22. The forum focused on addressing youth unemployment and closing the skills gap.

EDUWATCH believes that legal backing will secure proper funding and monitoring. In an interview, Executive Director Kofi Asare emphasized past failures of apprenticeship programs. He noted these failures were due to a lack of support and strong policies.

Asare stated, “One challenge is sustainability. It’s always been a struggle.” He mentioned the need for a legal framework to support these programs. Without this, they cannot be sustainable.

He added that institutionalizing apprenticeship programs is crucial at all levels. This includes law, policy, and budget levels for consistent funding and progress monitoring.

The forum was organized by Eduwatch with support from Oxfam and FOSDA. It aimed to make apprenticeships more inclusive, environmentally sustainable, and digitally advanced.

Kofi Asare highlighted challenges in Ghana’s apprenticeship system. Youth unemployment stands at 14.7%. Current models are disconnected from digital and green sectors.

Only 20% of TVET students feel digitally ready. Additionally, just 25.6% are aware of green skills despite market demands in solar energy and recycling.

In terms of inclusivity, 74% of TVET enrollments are male, showing a gender gap. Participants discussed the need for disability-responsive training and gender-neutral campaigns.

Young attendees proposed integrating digital marketing, AI, and robotics into trade training. The association encouraged youth to share ideas for a reimagined apprenticeship framework.