The National Apprenticeship Programme is projected to train over 500,000 youth within the next five years.
It is also expected to achieve a 60% employment or self-employment rate among the graduates, an average 40% increase in incomes for beneficiaries, and creation of more than 25,000 new small businesses over the next five years.
President John Dramani Mahama disclosed this at the launch of the National Apprenticeship Programme in Tamale on Tuesday.
According to the president, the programme aims to make a substantial impact on Ghana’s economy while addressing youth unemployment, which currently affects 12.6% of those aged 15-35.
The president outlined a clear implementation timeline during his speech at the launch event in Tamale.
“Phase 1, which starts in 2025, will focus on enrolling 10,000 apprentices from all the districts of Ghana.
“From 2026 onward, we intend to scale up to 100,000 youth trained annually,” he said.
He explained that the NAP will employ a dual training approach that combines classroom instruction with hands-on experience.
“30% of the training will be classroom-based training, and 70% will be practical, hands-on training with certified master craftsmen and industry partners,” he emphasised.
He added that training will range from short-term modules, that is 2 to 4 months, to long-term programs being between 12 months and 18 months, depending on the trade and the skill level that was applied for.
President Mahama said the Program is designed to be inclusive, with at least 45% of the apprentice trainees would be women, or girls, or girl children, and with at least 5% of the apprentice trainees must be persons living with disability.
The president said fashion and beauty sector training will include dressmaking, hairdressing, barbering, and makeup artistry, with manufacturing focused on welding, industrial maintenance, furniture making, and robotics basics.
Other priority areas include renewable energy, with training in solar PV, biogas, recycling, and energy efficiency repairs; hospitality and tourism covering culinary arts, hotel management, eco-tourism, and event planning; automotive training in engine repair, vehicle diagnostics, and electric vehicle servicing; and ICT and digital services encompassing software development, data analysis, digital marketing, and mobile phone repairs.
With 300 million Ghana cedis allocated in the 2025 budget, the program is scheduled to begin accepting applications in May, with forms available both online on (www.nya.gov.gh/nap) and at the various Municipal and District assembly offices nationwide.
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
