The Bono Regional Coordinator of the National Apprenticeship Programme (NAP), Mr. Adams Ibrahim, has announced that 700 young people have been enrolled in the initiative across the region.
The beneficiaries were selected from a pool of nearly 6,000 applicants. Mr. Ibrahim appealed for calm among those who were not selected, explaining that the programme is currently in its pilot phase in the Bono Region and will be expanded to accommodate more applicants in subsequent phases.
The NAP, a flagship government initiative, is designed to address youth unemployment, bridge the skills gap, and stimulate economic growth. It offers free, high-quality apprenticeship training to equip participants with technical, vocational, and entrepreneurial skills tailored to the demands of modern industries.
Upon completion, apprentices will receive nationally recognised certificates, positioning them for both employment and self-employment in key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, ICT, fashion, construction, renewable energy, and traditional crafts.
Speaking to the media in Sunyani, Mr. Ibrahim disclosed that the 700 apprentices are undergoing training under the guidance of 136 master craft persons spread across the 12 districts and municipalities of the Bono Region.
He further revealed that the pilot phase of the NAP has already exceeded its initial national target of 10,000 beneficiaries, with about 15,000 apprentices currently enrolled in various training modules across the country.
Mr. Ibrahim encouraged apprentices to remain dedicated to their training, emphasizing that the skills they acquire will secure them decent job opportunities. He also urged master craft persons to ensure that trainees derive the maximum benefit from the programme in order to build successful careers.
