A ceremony held at the Takoradi Technical University saw the induction of 147 artisans in total into the Ghana Institution of Engineering’s Craftsmen register.
With the aim of ensuring that craftsmen work to standards and conduct themselves professionally, the Professionalization of craftsmen program, or ProArt, is sponsored by GIZ and is being jointly implemented with Takoradi Technical University in partnership with Bosch and other partners.
For artisans like tilers, painters, carpenters, welders, masons, electricians, auto mechanics, plumbers, and steel benders, the training was divided into three main areas: Electrical/Electronics engineering, Civil engineering, and Mechanical engineering.
The craftsmen underwent a three-month practical training program that included instruction in the use of the proper tools, personal protective equipment (PPE), soft skills, and business practices.
As a result, in addition to the certifications they had already received from the Ghana Institution of Engineering, they were now handed NVTI certificates.
The President of the Ghana Institution of Engineering, Ing. Kwabena Gyimah Bempong, gave a welcome speech to the newly inducted artisans and urged them to behave well, manage their time wisely, and work hard to mentor others so that they could succeed the senior members of the institute.
He also counseled them to always consider how they could help the nation prosper rather than what they would gain from it.
All craftsmen were instructed to be professional in order to stand a better chance of attracting the necessary jobs by Richard Adarkwah, the Executive Representative on the Ghana Institution of Engineering Council for Craftmen.
According to Grace Nsiah Otuteye, a GIZ representative, the training program is being implemented nationwide to ensure that all artisans receive the same training and that their work as artisans in different disciplines is uniform.
Prof. Safo-Ankoma thanked GIZ and its partner for updating and retooling the labs and workshops as well as painting specific areas of the university in a speech that was read on his behalf.
