The successful completion of the Heavy-Duty Equipment Skills Training Programme has marked a significant step forward in strengthening technical capacity and employability among Ghanaian youth and returning migrants.
A total of 60 trained operators comprising 32 men and 28 women were awarded certificates, operating licenses, and Personal Protective Equipment after completing the six-month intensive training programme, which ran from September 2025 to March 2026. The initiative was organised by the Ghanaian-European Centre for Jobs, Migration and Development in partnership with Plant Engineering Ltd.
The programme equipped participants with practical, industry-relevant skills in operating heavy-duty machinery such as backhoes, forklifts, excavators, and cranes. The training was designed to prepare the operators for employment opportunities across high-demand sectors including construction, mining, agriculture, and manufacturing.
Participants in the programme included unemployed youth, returned migrants, and individuals considering migration, reflecting the initiative’s broader goal of improving access to sustainable employment opportunities. By focusing on demand-driven technical skills, the programme aims to enhance both local job prospects and safer migration pathways.
A notable highlight of the programme was its strong commitment to gender inclusion. Among the graduates was a nursing mother who successfully completed the rigorous training, demonstrating remarkable perseverance and underscoring the transformative impact of inclusive skills development initiatives.
Encouragingly, several graduates have already secured employment with reputable organisations, highlighting the programme’s effectiveness in facilitating job placement, promoting workplace safety, and supporting sustainable livelihoods.
The Heavy-Duty Equipment Skills Training Programme is commissioned by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), co-funded by the European Union in Ghana, and implemented by GIZ Ghana.
Stakeholders say initiatives of this nature play a vital role in strengthening Ghana’s labour market by providing practical, industry-focused training while also contributing to safe and regular migration pathways.
The graduates were congratulated for their dedication and resilience, marking an important milestone in their journey toward professional growth and economic empowerment.
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